There’s something truly special about baking for children, especially when the result is a recipe that they can’t get enough of! These soft and fluffy sweet milk buns are a delightful treat that will win over any crowd, young or old. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert, these buns are lightly sweetened and have a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The best part? They’re easy to make and are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. After all, if a whole class of kids asked for the recipe, you know it’s a winner!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200ml Warm Milk
- 1 tsp Yeast
- 1 Egg White
- 4 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 300g Flour
- 20ml Vegetable Oil
- 15g Butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 1 Egg Yolk + a splash of Milk (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast.
- Mix carefully and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
- This step ensures that the yeast is active and will give your buns the perfect rise.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Add the vegetable oil and softened butter to the dough, kneading again until the fats are fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy.
3. First Rise
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Buns
- After the dough has finished rising, gently deflate it to expel the air.
- Separate the dough into equal pieces, approximately 8-10, depending on the size of the buns you want to make.
- Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving some space between each bun for expansion.
5. Second Rise
- Cover the shaped buns with a cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
6. Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with a splash of milk.
- This will give your buns a beautiful golden color when baked.
- In another bowl, mix together the sugar and flour for a light dusting over the buns.
7. Bake the Buns
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the tops of the risen buns with the egg yolk mixture to give them a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle the sugar and flour mixture lightly over the buns for a touch of sweetness and texture
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and produce a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. These sweet milk buns are best enjoyed warm, but they’re just as delicious when cooled.
- Serve them on their own, with a spread of butter, or even filled with your favorite sweet or savory fillings.
Conclusion
These sweet milk buns are more than just a treat—they’re a memory in the making. Perfectly soft, lightly sweetened, and utterly irresistible, it’s no wonder that they were a hit with an entire class of children. Whether you’re baking for a school event, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy at home, these buns are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection.