Cream Cheese Buns

Spread the cream cheese on them and bake. These are the softest buns you’ll ever make! Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 190ml (3/5 cup) of milk
• 1 egg
• 70g (1/3 cup) of sugar
• 1/3 tsp of salt
• 7g of dry yeast
• 350g (2 3/4 cups) of flour
• 50g of butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 240g of cream cheese
• 70g (1/3 cup) of sugar

For the Crumble Topping:

• 20g of butter
• 20g of sugar
• 20g of flour
• 10g of milk

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten

Method

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, warm the milk (it should be lukewarm, not hot). Add the sugar and dry yeast to the milk, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and add the salt. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and mix well.
3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. Knead the Dough: Add the softened butter to the dough and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This will take about 10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling and Topping

6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
7. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the butter, sugar, flour, and milk. Mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Assembling the Buns

8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
10. Fill the Buns: Flatten each ball of dough slightly and make an indentation in the center. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the indentation of each bun.
11. Second Rise: Place the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each bun. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
12. Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
13. Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cream cheese filling in each bun.

Baking

14. Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is set.

Serving

15. Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Variations: You can add a touch of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling for added flavor.
• Filling Options: Try adding some fruit preserves or jam along with the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
• Topping Options: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the crumble topping before baking.

Nutritional Information

These cream cheese buns provide a delightful combination of carbs, fats, and protein. Adjust portion sizes to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the buns soggy.

Cream cheese buns are a delightful and satisfying treat that combines the soft texture of the buns with the creamy and sweet filling. Perfect for any time of the day, whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cream Cheese Buns

1. Proper Dough Preparation: Ensure the dough is kneaded well and given enough time to rise for a fluffy texture.
2. Balanced Filling: Adjust the sweetness in the cream cheese mixture to suit your taste.
3. Even Baking: Make sure to bake until the buns are golden brown and the filling is set for the best texture.

Share the Delight

If you’ve enjoyed making and eating these cream cheese buns, share the recipe with your friends and family. It’s a fun and easy recipe that adds a delicious touch to any gathering.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for cream cheese buns highlights how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful buns, and savor every bite. Happy cooking and see you in the next recipe!

This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet treat with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of these cream cheese buns, a delightful addition to any meal. Happy cooking!