Dessert

Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe

Name: Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon instant yeast; 1 tablespoon milk powder (optional); 1 cup whole milk, warm; 1/3 cup heavy cream, warm; 1 egg; 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste; 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon whole milk; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

ByElena Hart January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

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Introduction

Red Bean Milk Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet red bean paste for a delightful treat. This recipe combines tender milk-infused dough with a luscious red bean filling, perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day.

The image shows four round, flower-shaped buns with a shiny, golden brown surface and small white sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Each bun is divided into six petals with dark filling visible in the gaps between the petals. Three buns are placed on a beige textured white plate, one bun is behind the plate on a wooden rack, and one bun is on the white marbled surface next to the plate. A small bowl of sesame seeds and a pink cloth with fringed edges are on the bottom left, along with a golden utensil visible at the bottom right. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

18 ounces sweetened red bean paste
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast

1 tablespoon milk powder (optional)
1 cup whole milk (warm)
1/3 cup heavy cream (warm)

1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon whole milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder. Slowly add warm milk, warm heavy cream, and the whole egg. Knead on low speed for 10 minutes until the dough is tacky but smooth. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Flour a clean work surface and divide the dough into 9 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and pinching to seal. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
Step 3: Take one dough ball and gently stretch it into a 4-inch circle, keeping the center thicker. Place about 1/4 cup of sweetened red bean paste in the center. Bring the dough edges up and pinch together to seal the filling inside. Roll the bun gently between your palms to smooth the seam. Place the bun seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough balls.

Step 4 (Optional): Dust your hands lightly with flour and gently press each bun to flatten slightly. Using scissors, cut 5 small slits evenly spaced around the edge of each bun to create a flower shape.
Step 5: Let the buns rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until nearly doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Prepare the egg wash by mixing the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of whole milk. Brush the tops of the risen buns with the egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use milk powder to enrich the dough flavor, but you can omit it if unavailable; the buns will still be soft and delicious.
For a fluffier texture, make sure your milk and cream are warm but not hot when adding to the dough.
Try substituting the red bean paste with other sweet fillings like lotus seed paste or custard for different flavors.

Brush the buns with melted butter right after baking to enhance softness and add a subtle sheen.

Storage

Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, steam the buns lightly or warm them briefly in the microwave to restore their soft texture.

How to Serve

The image shows soft, golden brown flower-shaped bread rolls on a white plate with curved ridges. Each roll has six thick petals with small slits revealing a dark filling inside, likely red bean paste, and the center of each roll is sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The bread texture looks smooth and shiny from an egg wash, with a slightly crisp outer crust and soft interior. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and there is a folded red cloth with white stripes near the plate's edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 15-20 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It may take more effort but the results will be just as good.

What if the dough feels too sticky when shaping the buns?

The dough should be slightly tacky but manageable. Lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much flour as it can make the buns dense.