Honey Butter Milk Buns Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of pulling apart impossibly soft, fluffy rolls with a golden, glossy crust that melts in your mouth, then you’re in for a treat with this Honey Butter Milk Buns Recipe. These buns are the perfect balance of tender crumb and rich, sweet butteriness, thanks to a unique tangzhong starter that keeps the texture light and airy. The touch of honey in the butter filling and finishing glaze elevates them from ordinary bread to an irresistible indulgence that’s ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or any time you crave comfort with a little pizzazz.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that combine to create a bakery-worthy bun right at home. Each component contributes essential qualities, from the softness lent by the tangzhong to the delicate sweetness of honey butter that fills and finishes these buns.

• Bread flour (23 grams): Key for the tangzhong, this flour starts the magic of creating a soft dough.
• Water (120 grams): Used in making the tangzhong, it hydrates the flour for that signature tender texture.
• Active dry yeast (8 grams): The leavening agent that gives life and lift to the buns.
• Granulated sugar (45 grams): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Whole milk (120 grams): Warmed to 100-110°F, it enriches the dough and aids yeast fermentation.
• Unsalted butter (42 grams, melted): Introduces softness and richness inside the dough.
• Large eggs (2): One for the dough, providing structure and moisture; one for the egg wash to achieve that stunning golden crust.
• Bread flour (350 grams): The main flour for the dough, ensuring a chewy yet tender bite.
• Kosher salt (5 grams): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness without overpowering.
• Salted butter (113 grams, softened): Mixed with honey for the luscious butter filling inside each bun.
• Honey (60 grams): Sweetens the butter filling and adds a fragrant glaze finishing.
• Flaky salt (for finishing): Sprinkled on top to contrast sweetness with a delicate crunch and savory punch.

How to Make Honey Butter Milk Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong Starter

This is the secret to ultra-soft buns. Start by whisking 23 grams of bread flour with 120 grams of water in a small pot over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens to a gluey consistency, just like lifting the spoon and seeing a smooth ribbon fall back. Once ready, cover the surface tightly to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool to room temperature. This step can be done hours ahead or even a few days in advance if refrigerated.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In your mixer bowl, combine the 8 grams of active dry yeast, 45 grams of sugar, and 120 grams of warm whole milk. Whisk gently until the yeast and sugar dissolve, giving the mixture time to foam lightly, signaling active yeast ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk the melted unsalted butter with one egg in a small bowl until pale yellow and well combined. Add this mixture along with your cooled tangzhong to the yeast-milk blend. Give everything a good whisk until smooth, creating a flavorful, rich base for your dough’s tenderness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Knead

With the mixer’s dough hook on medium speed, add 350 grams of bread flour and 5 grams of kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Knead for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough pulls cleanly away from the bowl’s sides and passes the windowpane test when stretched—translucent without tearing.

Step 5: First Proof

Transfer your dough to a bowl and cover it for its first rise. While it won’t double, it should grow about 30 percent in size and look delightfully puffy after one hour. This gentle rise is critical to its tender crumb.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey Butter Filling

While the dough rises, blend softened salted butter with 60 grams of honey until creamy and luscious. This golden filling will give your buns that signature sweet richness bursting in every bite.

Step 7: Shape and Fill the Buns

Turn the dough onto a workspace and cut it into eight equal pieces. Flatten each gently with your hands and place about a tablespoon of the honey butter filling in the center. Fold the edges over, pinch to seal tightly, then roll the buns seam-side down on the counter to ensure no filling escapes during baking. Reserve a quarter cup of honey butter for glazing after baking.

Step 8: Second Proof

Grease a 10-inch skillet or a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter and arrange your stuffed buns seam-side down. Cover and let them rise again for an hour until noticeably puffed but not quite doubled. This final proof sets you up for the perfect fluffy texture.

Step 9: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F convection and whisk the remaining egg for an egg wash. Brush each bun’s surface just before placing the pan in the oven. Lay the baking pan atop a sheet pan to catch any butter drips and bake for about 25-28 minutes, until golden brown and irresistible. As soon as they come out, brush generously with the reserved honey butter and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt for steals-the-show flavor.

How to Serve Honey Butter Milk Buns Recipe

Garnishes

These buns shine on their own, but a sprinkle of flaky salt after baking adds an awe-inspiring contrast that makes every bite a delicious balance of sweet and savory. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra honey can add visual and taste appeal.

Side Dishes

They make a perfect partner for morning spreads like fresh fruit preserves, creamy whipped butter, or tangy cream cheese. For savory meals, serve alongside rich soups or stews where the pillowy texture can soak up every bit of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Swap the classic round shape for bite-sized buns, arranging them in a pull-apart loaf for family-style sharing. You can even turn them into sliders by slicing horizontally and filling with roasted chicken , letting the honey butter add a subtle sweet hint to your sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve softness. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option, but be aware it can slightly dry out the texture.

Freezing

Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for several hours before reheating.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm the buns in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or use a microwave with a damp paper towel over the rolls for 20 seconds. Brushing with leftover honey butter before serving adds a delightful glow and flavor boost.

FAQs

What is tangzhong and why is it important in this Honey Butter Milk Buns Recipe?

Tangzhong is a cooked mixture of flour and water that is added to dough to keep bread moist and soft for longer. It’s essential in this recipe to give the buns their signature fluffy, tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While you can substitute all-purpose flour, bread flour has higher protein content, which helps create stronger gluten structure resulting in chewier, fluffier buns. For best results, stick with bread flour.

How do I know when the dough is fully kneaded?

The dough is ready when it pulls away cleanly from the sides of the mixing bowl and passes the windowpane test—meaning you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light without it tearing.

Can I make these buns without an egg wash?

Yes, but the egg wash gives the buns a beautiful shiny, golden finish. Without it, they will look more matte and paler, though they will still taste wonderful.

Is this Honey Butter Milk Buns Recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! While tangzhong might seem intimidating, the steps are straightforward with clear instructions. Plus, the final reward of these amazing buns is well worth the effort for any home baker.

Final Thoughts

I can confidently say that once you make this Honey Butter Milk Buns Recipe, you’ll have a new favorite recipe to turn to for elevating your baking game and delighting family and friends. Soft, buttery, and kissed with honey sweetness, these buns are as comforting as a warm hug. Give them a try and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas and happy smiles.

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