If you’ve ever visited a bakery where the smell of butter, roasted garlic, and warm bread filled the air, then these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic buns will be a hit. These buns have a soft, creamy texture, are slightly sweet, and are stuffed with a creamy stuffing. These buns are comforting. These buns are very popular. These buns have layers of flavor, despite being made from simple ingredients.

When you break the bread, it breaks like a fluffy white cloud. The garlic butter is then added after the creamy, sweet, cool cream cheese. Make them as a brunch treat or for your family. You can also bake them on the weekends. After you have tried them straight from the oven, it’s hard to resist.

Why This Recipe Works

• The dough is enhanced by butter, egg, and milk to create a soft, pillowy texture.
• Cream Cheese Filling That Stays SmoothBy mixing powdered sugar with vanilla extract and a small amount of vanilla, the cream cheese softens. This allows it to blend beautifully when baked.
• Garlic is not too sharp. The buns are the perfect balance of sweet and savory thanks to butter, honey, and heat.
• Simple shape technique
  This recipe is suitable for beginners as it allows you to easily fill and seal each doughnut.
• Customize
  By adding herbs, adjusting the sweetness or changing fillings.

This recipe is healthy?

You can make the recipe lighter by using less sugar or part-skim cream cheese. You can either use less sugar or part-skim in the cream, or make smaller buns. The buns do not require extra oil since they are baked, rather than fried. Moderation is key. Enjoy them in moderation.

Ingredients

The dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of Granulated Sugar
• Active dry yeast, 2.5 tsp
• Salt – half a teaspoon
• A half cup of warm milk
• Butter, unsalted, 1 cup
• 1 large egg

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• Two tablespoons of powdered Sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional but adds a dessert-like aroma)

Garlic Butter Glaze

• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• Honey or sugar 1 tbsp
• Salt – half a teaspoon
• For color and freshness, add 1 tbsp chopped parsley.

Substitutions

• Replace all-purpose (all-purpose) flour with bread flour to make the buns more chewy.
• Use vegan cream cheese and butter to create a recipe that is dairy-free.
• Almond or oat milk can be substituted as a whole milk.

Need Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Spatula
• Whistler
• Rolling pin
• Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet
• Small saucepan for Garlic Butter
• Pastry brush

Recipe Details

• Preparation time: 30 Minutes
• Rise Time: 1 Hour
• Cooking time: 20-25 Minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 Buns

Calorie Value (per Bun)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 5g

KOREAN CREAM CHEESE GARLIC BUNS

Instructions step-by-step

1. Activate the yeast

Pour the warm milk into a small bowl and add the yeast and sugar. The yeast will not be activated if the milk is too warm. The milk should be warm like bathwater. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The surface will be covered with foam. The yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

2. Start the dough

Mix flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Start mixing with a spatula, and switch to your hand as soon as you see the dough forming. The dough will feel sticky at first.

3. Knead until smooth

Hand-knead dough for 8-10 min. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead it for 5-6 minutes on medium speed. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough becomes soft, elastic, and slightly bouncy. If the dough is sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour. Add only enough flour to make the buns soft.

4. Let it Rise

Put your dough into a bowl lightly oiled. Cover the bowl using a damp kitchen towel and allow it to sit for 45 minutes to an hour. The dough should be doubled in size. When you gently press the dough, it should still be indented.

5. How to make the cream cheese filling

Cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla should be mixed until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be easily spoonable. You can warm the mixture if it is hardening in your kitchen. Place the bowl on the counter for 10 to 15 mins.

6. Punch the dough

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. As the dough softens, you will notice it deflate. It will be easier to turn it out on a lightly floured surface.

7. Shape the buns

Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape of approximately 12×8 inches. Divide the dough with a knife or bench scraper into 10-12 equal squares. Each square should be filled with a small amount cream cheese.

Fold each square like a gift. Pinch the seams firmly to prevent leakage. Roll them gently between your palms to round them.

8. Second rise

Place the buns with their seams down on a baking tray lined with parchment. Cover them loosely and let them rise another 20-30 minutes. They should appear fuller and puff a bit.

9. How to make garlic butter glaze

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. The garlic should not be browned, but rather softened. Add honey, salt or sugar. The mixture should be warm and rich. Turn off the heat and let it cool a bit.

10. Brush and heat

Heat your oven to 350degF (175degC). Each bun should be brushed with half of the garlic butter glaze. The butter will soak into the dough and give them a glossy shine even before they’re baked.

11. Bake

Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the garlicky aroma as they rise to golden perfection. The bread’s tops should be lightly browned and its bottoms completely baked.

12. Brush off again

While the buns are still hot, brush them with the remaining garlic butter. Butter will melt into every crevice on the warm bread. Sprinkle parsley for color.

13. Relax and enjoy a cool breeze

Allow the buns to rest at least 10 minutes before serving. The cream cheese must be soft, but not runny. Garlic glaze should also be a delicious layer.

The Best Results

• Knead enough to achieve elasticity.
• Allow the dough to rise on a warm, flat surface.
• Don’t overfill them or they may leak.
• Warm garlic butter improves absorption.
• The best texture is achieved by warming the buns.

Serving and Top Ideas

• Before adding sesame seeds, add a sesame or herb mixture to the baking.
• Serve with kimchi for a Korean-inspired combo.
• Honey can be added to the mixture to balance out its sweetness.
• Add grated cheese on top of baked goods before baking.
• Add to a salad and you have a quick, healthy meal.
• Serve with marinara for a fusion twist.
• Green onions can be used to add a touch of freshness.

Fun variations and twists

• Spicy version: Add chili flakes and garlic butter to the garlic.
• Sweet buns: add jam or cocoa powder to the creamcheese.
• Add rosemary or thyme for herb lovers.
• Mini bites are small appetizer size buns

Beverage Pairings

• Hot green tea
• Coffee or cappuccino
• Cold milk
• Iced Lemon tea
• Matcha latte

Store and Reheat

• Keep at room temperature for up to two days.
• Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight jar.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Heat the dish in the oven at 350degF for 10-12 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs

Why Are Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns A Little Sweet? And Can I Reduce The Sweetness of the Buns?

Most Korean bakeries use slightly sweetened dough to balance out cream cheese and garlic. If you prefer them less sweet, reduce the sugar in the dough. Also, remove the honey glaze. If you want a sweeter version, add 1 tablespoon of extra sugar to either the filling or glaze.

How can I stop the cream cheese filling from leaking during baking?

Before shaping, chill the cream cheese filling for 20-30 minutes in the fridge. Do not roll out the dough too thinly and do not pinch the seams. If you want your filling to be more stable, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.

How can I enhance the flavor of my garlic without adding any more?

Infuse butter with garlic on low heat for 5-7 minutes. This will give the butter a richer flavor without being overpowering. Garlic powder can also be used to enhance the aroma and evenly coat the buns.

Can I make bread dough without a mixer or stand mixer?

Yes. Hand-knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, adding only light flour as needed. Test a small portion of dough by stretching it. If it stretches without tearing, that’s good enough.

How can I make these buns ahead of time for a party?

After shaping the buns, bake the next day. You can also bake the buns in a pre-bake for 12-14 minutes, store them, and then finish baking right before serving. You can also bake the buns from frozen by adding 5 minutes.

Final Note

These buns are warm, delicious and comforting. They are delicious, soft and easy to make. You’ll enjoy them just as much making them as you will the final product.

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