Soft and Fluffy Milk Buns Recipe

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  • February 15, 2026
Breakfast

As a chef, there’s nothing like the warm aroma of freshly baked milk buns straight from the oven. These soft, cloud-like rolls are slightly sweet, delicately golden on the outside, and tender enough to tear apart with your fingers. They’re simple to make yet deliver a bakery-quality result every time.

Perfect for dinner rolls, sliders, or sweet breakfast buns, these milk buns are versatile, stunning, and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

🌟 Why These Milk Buns Work

  • Incredible Softness: Milk and butter create a tender, pillowy crumb.

  • Golden Beauty: Even browning and a glossy egg wash give a perfect dome.

  • Beginner-Friendly: Easy to knead and shape with a little patience.

  • Versatile: Ideal for sandwiches, sliders, or paired with sweet spreads.

  • Stays Fresh Longer: Remains soft for days when stored properly.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk (100–110°F)

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

  • Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.

  • Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2️⃣ Build the Dough

  • Add flour, melted butter, and salt.

  • Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface.

3️⃣ Knead & Rise

  • Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.

4️⃣ Shape the Buns

  • Punch down dough and divide into 12–15 pieces.

  • Shape each into a round bun and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

5️⃣ Final Proof

  • Cover with a damp towel and let rise 30 minutes.

6️⃣ Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Brush buns with beaten egg for a glossy top.

  • Bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

7️⃣ Cool & Serve

  • Let cool slightly before enjoying.

  • Serve warm, plain, or filled with jam, cheese, or ham.

🔑 Pro Tips for Bakery-Style Results

  • Milk Temperature Matters: Too hot kills yeast.

  • Egg Wash is Essential: Adds shine and seals moisture.

  • Flour Choice: All-purpose flour yields tender buns; bread flour gives chewiness.

  • Optimal Proofing: Rise in a warm, slightly humid spot for soft texture.

🌿 Creative Variations

  • Cheese-Stuffed: Wrap a cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each bun.

  • Sweet Vanilla: Add 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tbsp sugar to dough.

  • Garlic Herb: Mix oregano, garlic powder, and parsley; brush with garlic butter.

  • Cinnamon Swirl: Roll with cinnamon sugar for a sweet spiral bun.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

Storage Method Duration
Room Temperature Up to 3 days
Freezer Up to 2 months (wrap tightly)

  • Refrigerated or frozen dough: shape and bake the next day for fresh results.

  • Egg-free option: skip egg wash or brush with plant milk + maple syrup for shine.

  • Dairy-free: use oat, almond, or soy milk and vegan butter.

❓ FAQs

Why aren’t my buns rising?
Check yeast activity. Proof in warm milk first. If no foam, use fresh yeast.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes — 1:1 substitution. Optional: mix with warm milk and sugar for freshness.

Can I freeze baked buns?
Yes. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven for a fresh bakery feel.

Can I make them dairy-free or egg-free?
Yes — substitute plant milk, vegan butter, and optional egg wash alternatives.

✨ Final Thoughts

These buttery milk buns are soft, tender, and irresistibly golden — a perfect combination of taste and texture. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven, as sliders, or sweet breakfast buns, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

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