Soft and Fluffy Milk Buns Recipe

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  • November 17, 2025
Breakfast

Soft & Fluffy Milk Buns (Bakery-Style Recipe for Cloud-Light Bread Rolls)

As a chef who lives for that golden moment when freshly baked bread comes out of the oven, these milk buns never fail me. They’re soft, cloud-light, slightly sweet, and rich with a gentle buttery aroma that fills the entire kitchen. If you love bread that’s golden on the outside and tear-apart tender on the inside—this will be your new favorite recipe.

Why I Love Making These Milk Buns

Bread baking is an act of love, and these buns are my go-to when I want a bakery-quality result with simple, everyday ingredients. The dough is easy to work with, the texture is unbeatable, and they stay soft for days.

What Makes These Buns Special

  • Incredible softness: Milk + butter gives the crumb a melt-in-your-mouth feel

  • Golden beauty: They brown evenly into perfect domes

  • Beginner-friendly: Great for new bakers

  • Versatile: Use as dinner rolls, burger buns, sliders, breakfast buns

  • Long-lasting freshness: Stays soft when stored properly

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

  • 1½ tsp salt

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

How to Make Milk Buns (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Activate the Yeast

Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Make the Dough

Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.
Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.

3. Knead & First Rise

Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.

4. Shape the Buns

Punch down the dough and divide into 12–15 pieces.
Shape each into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking tray.

5. Second Rise

Cover and let the buns rise again for 30 minutes.

6. Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the buns with beaten egg.
Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.

7. Cool & Enjoy

Let them cool slightly.
Serve warm, plain, or filled with sweet or savory fillings.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips

  • Use warm—not hot—milk: 100–110°F is ideal

  • Don’t skip egg wash: Gives shine + a soft crust

  • All-purpose flour = softer buns

  • Bread flour = more chew

  • Humidity helps the dough rise

Perfect with garlic butter beef rollups, soups, or as a side to any cozy meal.

How to Make Your Milk Buns Stand Out

Add Toppings

  • Sesame seeds

  • Poppy seeds

  • Flaky sea salt

Enhance Flavor

  • Brush with melted butter after baking

  • Shape into clusters for pull-apart rolls

  • Add a bit of honey to the dough for lightly sweet breakfast buns

Creative Customizations

Flavor Add-Ins

  • Cheese Stuffed: Insert mozzarella or cheddar cubes

  • Sweet Vanilla: Add 1 tsp vanilla + extra sugar

  • Garlic Herb: Add oregano, garlic powder, parsley

  • Cinnamon Swirl: Roll dough with cinnamon sugar filling

Shape Variations

  • Mini buns for sliders

  • Braided buns for a fancy look

  • Pan rolls for soft pull-apart dinner rolls

Best Pairings for Milk Buns

Great with Meals

Pairing Why It Works
Crispy chicken Soft bun + crunchy chicken = perfect contrast
Soups They soak up broths beautifully
Burgers Strong enough to hold fillings
Tea & coffee Soft, buttery, and comforting

Serving Ideas to Elevate Your Buns

  • Sliders: Add pulled chicken or crispy chicken

  • Breakfast: Butter + jam, or avocado + egg

  • Lunch: Cold cuts, cheese, roasted veggies

  • Dinner: Serve with stews, soups, or sauces

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze after cooling; reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes

  • Fridge dough: After first rise, refrigerate overnight

  • Holiday perfect: Make large batches for bread baskets

Healthier Variations

  • Whole wheat: Replace ½ the flour

  • Sugar-free: Use honey or erythritol

  • Low sodium: Reduce salt, add herbs

  • Dairy-free: Use plant milk + vegan butter

  • Egg-free: Brush with plant milk + maple syrup

Sweet Dessert Variations

  • Jam & cream buns

  • French toast buns

  • Milk bun bread pudding

  • Cream-filled buns with powdered sugar

Nutrition (Per Bun)

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 36g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 240mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t my buns rising?

Your yeast may be inactive. Always proof it first.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, 1:1. It doesn’t require activation.

Best flour for milk buns?

All-purpose for soft texture. Bread flour for chewy texture.

Can I freeze them?

Yes—freeze up to 2 months.

Best storage?

Airtight container, room temperature, up to 3 days.

Can I make them dairy-free or egg-free?

Yes—use plant milk, vegan butter, and skip egg wash.

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