There’s something magical about the combination of warm, fluffy bread slathered with creamy garlic goodness. Enter the realm of Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns, where every bite is a playful dance of flavors and textures that will tickle your taste buds. Picture this: you pull one fresh from the oven, its golden-brown exterior glistening, and as you break it open, a rich, creamy cloud of garlic cheese wafts into the air. It’s the kind of aroma that makes your stomach rumble louder than a thunderstorm on a summer evening.
These buns are not just food they are an experience. I remember the first time I tried them at a bustling street market in Seoul, surrounded by laughter, chatter, and the sizzle of street food. My friends and I devoured them like we hadn’t eaten in days, giggling and fighting over the last one. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just wanting to treat yourself after a long day, these buns are perfect for creating delicious memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are incredibly easy to make at home with simple ingredients
- Their unique flavor profile combines savory garlic with creamy cheese for a delightful taste explosion
- Visually appealing with their golden crust, these buns are sure to impress family and friends alike
- They are versatile enough to enjoy as an appetizer or snack at any gathering
I remember my friends’ delighted faces when I made these buns for our game night they practically attacked the plate
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture it forms the perfect base for your buns.
- Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh this helps your dough rise beautifully for that fluffy texture.
- Milk: Warm milk activates yeast effectively it adds richness to the dough’s flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for optimal creaminess that melts wonderfully in each bite.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses incredible flavor it’s simply not the same with powdered garlic
- Sugar: A small amount balances out savory flavors and enhances browning during baking.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for brushing it adds a gorgeous shine and extra richness.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions give freshness and color to your creamy filling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until bubbly, about 5 minutes this means your yeast is alive and ready to party Gradually mix in flour until you form a soft dough that isn’t sticky.
Knead Like You Mean It: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Picture yourself giving that dough some love it should feel soft yet slightly springy under your hands.
First Rise: Patience is Key: Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size about 1 hour. This is where the magic happens
Create Your Delicious Filling: While waiting impatiently (I know), mix cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped green onions in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste-test this filling if you dare it’s heavenly
Shape Those Buns: Once risen, punch down your dough (yes) and roll it out into a rectangle on floured parchment paper. Cut out circles using a glass or cookie cutter think mini pizza sizes. Place roughly 1 tablespoon of filling on each circle before folding into bun shapes.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange shaped buns on lined baking sheets, brushing them with melted butter before baking for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. The smell will be intoxicating be ready to drool
Enjoy these delightful Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns hot from the oven or let them cool slightly before serving you’ll want everyone fighting over who gets to grab one first
You Must Know
- Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are not only delicious they’re a delightful twist on traditional buns
- The creamy filling paired with garlicky goodness will have your guests raving
- They’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in, offering comfort and flavor in every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough, allowing it to rise while you mix the cream cheese filling. Shape and fill the buns before letting them rise again, ensuring fluffy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add herbs like parsley or chives to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an appealing crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in a microwave for 15 seconds to regain their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your dough is not too sticky adding flour gradually can help achieve the right consistency
- Letting the buns rest allows flavors to meld beautifully
- Use fresh garlic for a more intense flavor that elevates these buns to new heights
Sharing these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns at a family gathering turned into an unexpected highlight of the evening, as everyone went back for seconds
FAQ
How long do Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns take to prepare?
They typically take about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I make Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake just before serving.
What can I serve with Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns?
These buns pair well with a spicy dipping sauce or a simple salad for balance.
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are a delightful treat that combines warm, fluffy bread with a rich, creamy garlic and cheese filling. These buns are not only simple to make but also offer a perfect balance of savory flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Ideal for parties or cozy nights in, each bite delivers an explosion of taste, making them a must-try for anyone who loves baked goods.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually add flour to form a soft dough; knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour until doubled.
- Mix cream cheese, minced garlic, and green onions in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Cut circles using a glass; fill each with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and shape into buns.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange buns on baking sheets and brush with melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Add herbs like parsley or chives to the filling for extra flavor. Top with sesame seeds before baking for added texture.
