Soft and Fluffy Milk Buns – Bakery-Style
Pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth – straight from your kitchen!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm, buttery buns baking in the oven. These Soft and Fluffy Milk Buns are just like the ones from your favorite bakery—light, tender, and beautifully golden. Whether you’re serving them with dinner, stuffing them with sliders, or just enjoying them fresh with a pat of butter, these homemade rolls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Pillowy Soft – Like biting into a warm, buttery cloud
✅ Beginner-Friendly – No complicated techniques or stand mixer required
✅ Versatile – Dinner rolls, sandwich buns, or even a sweet treat base
✅ Irresistible Aroma – Your kitchen will smell like a bakery!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or melted butter, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add the warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough (by hand or stand mixer with dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Tip: If the dough feels sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time. If too dry, splash in a bit of warm milk.
Step 2: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces (or 16 for smaller rolls).
Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for soft sides, or spaced apart on a tray for individual crusts.
Step 4: Second Rise & Bake
Cover the shaped buns and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 5: Serve Warm!
Once out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, shiny finish.
Let cool slightly (if you can wait!) and enjoy fresh and warm.
Tips for Perfect Milk Buns
- Use warm milk – not hot – to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip the second rise! It’s key to soft and fluffy texture.
- Bake close together in the pan for pull-apart rolls with soft sides.
- Leftovers? Reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
Storage & Freezing
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Freeze: Once cooled, freeze buns in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Milk Buns
- Slathered with jam and butter for breakfast
- Stuffed with chicken salad or sliders for lunch
- Served alongside soups, stews, or roasts
- Turned into sweet buns with a little custard or cream filling!
Estimated Nutrition (per bun – 12 total):
- Calories: ~180
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
These Bakery-Style Milk Buns are everything you love about homemade bread—soft, golden, and irresistibly warm. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these buns easy to make and even easier to devour.
Happy baking! Let the aroma of fresh bread fill your home.
