Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

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Introduction

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are the ultimate indulgence that perfectly balances savory, garlicky richness with the creamy smoothness of cream cheese, all enveloped in soft, pillowy dough. Inspired by the popular buns found in Korean bakeries, these buns feature a warm, slightly sweet, and buttery crust, with a mouthwatering garlic cream cheese filling that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that make every bite a true treat.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how the combination of garlic and cream cheese could create such a rich, satisfying flavor. As the dough baked to golden perfection, the savory aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to take the first bite. The soft, buttery bun paired with the creamy, garlicky center was an absolute game-changer, and before I knew it, they were gone.

What I love most about Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns is their versatility. They’re perfect for a cozy snack, a fun addition to a party spread, or even as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite meal. Plus, they’re easily customizable—feel free to experiment by adding herbs like chives or a little spice with red pepper flakes. No matter how you serve them, these buns are guaranteed to bring smiles to your table and satisfy your taste buds.

Perfect for:

  • Snack time
  • Party appetizers
  • Afternoon tea
  • Potluck gatherings
  • Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns will become your new favorite treat:

  • Savory and Creamy: The garlic cream cheese filling is rich and flavorful, offering a savory contrast to the soft, slightly sweet bread.
  • Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The light sweetness of the dough balances perfectly with the garlicky cream cheese filling.
  • Soft and Fluffy: The buns are incredibly soft, with a light, airy texture that makes them irresistible.
  • Great for Sharing: Serve them at a gathering or potluck, and they’ll quickly become a favorite among guests.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: With a straightforward recipe, these buns come together in under 2 hours, including prep and baking time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Resting Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12 buns
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns:

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Garlic Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt to taste

For the Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cream Cheese: The creamy filling is the star of the bun, offering richness and smoothness.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a bold, savory flavor to the filling and topping.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a hint of tang to the filling, making it extra indulgent.
  • Butter: The butter both in the dough and filling gives the buns a rich, soft texture and flavor.
  • Honey (optional): Drizzling honey on top gives the buns a slight sweetness that balances the garlic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Garlic Filling:

  1. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, softened butter, mayonnaise, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Buns:

  1. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
  2. Fill the Buns: Using your fingers or a small rolling pin, flatten each dough ball into a small disc. Place a spoonful of the garlic cream cheese mixture in the center of each disc. Fold the edges over to seal, forming a ball.
  3. Place in a Baking Dish: Arrange the filled dough balls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.

Bake the Buns:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the Buns: Bake the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

Prepare the Topping and Serve:

  1. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley. If using, add honey for extra sweetness.
  2. Brush the Topping: Once the buns are done baking, immediately brush them with the garlic butter topping.
  3. Serve: Serve the buns warm for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

  • As a Snack: Serve warm for a quick, delicious snack that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
  • With Soup or Salad: Serve alongside your favorite soup or salad for a comforting, satisfying meal.
  • Party Appetizer: Cut the buns into smaller portions and serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
  • For Breakfast: These buns make a savory breakfast treat when paired with a hot drink.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overfill the Buns: Make sure not to overstuff the buns with filling, as it may leak out during baking.
  • Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be sure to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size for soft, fluffy buns.
  • Adjust the Garlic: If you want a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic in the filling.
  • Brush the Buns While Hot: Brushing the buns with garlic butter immediately after baking helps the topping soak in better.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze the unbaked buns on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Garlic Cream Cheese Buns: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the garlic cream cheese filling for a spicy kick.
  2. Cheddar Garlic Buns: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese filling for a cheesy twist.
  3. Vegan Garlic Buns: Substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives to make these buns plant-based.
  4. Bacon Garlic Buns: Add crispy bacon bits to the filling for a savory, smoky flavor.
  5. Herb Garlic Buns: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the garlic cream cheese mixture for an aromatic variation.
  6. Sweet Garlic Buns: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the cream cheese filling for a sweeter version.
  7. Pesto Garlic Buns: Use pesto in the filling for an Italian-inspired twist.
  8. Caramelized Onion Garlic Buns: Add caramelized onions to the filling for a savory, sweet combination.
  9. Sesame Garlic Buns: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the buns before baking for a crunchy texture.
  10. Tomato Garlic Buns: Add finely diced tomatoes to the filling for a fresh, juicy element.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze the unbaked buns on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
  • Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Dish (9×9-inch)
  • Pastry Brush
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, you can use store-bought dough for a quicker option, but homemade dough will yield fluffier buns.
  2. Can I make these buns ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the buns the day before and refrigerate them. Bake before serving.
  3. Can I substitute the cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese for a different texture.
  4. Can I make these buns sweet instead of savory? Yes, you can replace the garlic cream cheese filling with a sweet filling, like cinnamon or chocolate.
  5. How do I make the buns extra soft? Be sure to let the dough rise fully and handle it gently when shaping the buns.

Conclusion

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are a must-try treat that combines soft, fluffy bread with a creamy, garlicky filling, making them irresistible. These buns strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with the creamy cream cheese blending beautifully with the rich garlic flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Easy to prepare and highly customizable, you can adjust the level of garlic to your liking or experiment with different fillings. These buns are perfect for enjoying fresh out of the oven or served as part of a larger meal.

I can’t wait to see your Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bun creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version of this tasty treat. Don’t forget to share your twists in the comments. Happy baking!

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