Description
These Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns are soft, pillowy, and lightly sweetened bread rolls studded with rich dark chocolate chips. Made using the tangzhong method, which creates an ultra-moist and tender crumb, these buns are perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. They feature a glossy milk-brushed finish and a delicate balance of sweet and buttery flavors, ideal for chocolate lovers seeking a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tangzhong
- 3 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp bread flour, sifted
For the Dough
- 2 ¾ cups bread flour
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp instant dry yeast
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup + 3 tbsp milk, room temperature
- ¾ to 1 cup dark chocolate chips
For Brushing
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together water, milk, and bread flour until smooth.
- Cook Tangzhong: Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a paste, about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Cool Tangzhong: Cover the thickened paste and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, and salt evenly.
- Add Yeast: Sprinkle instant dry yeast over the dry ingredients and mix well to distribute.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter, milk, prepared Tangzhong, and the egg to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 6-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding up to 2 tbsp of extra flour if sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 50 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently punch down the dough and knead in the dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into 9 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange for Second Rise: Place the buns in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly.
- Second Rise: Cover and let proof for 25-30 minutes until puffy and almost doubled.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the buns with milk and bake for 19-23 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with Milk Brush: While warm, brush the buns again with milk to give a shiny, soft finish.
- Cool and Serve: Let buns cool slightly before serving to enjoy their fluffy texture and melty chocolate chips.
Notes
- Adding extra flour during kneading should be done sparingly to keep buns soft.
- The tangzhong method helps keep these buns moist and tender for days.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better yeast activation and dough development.
- Chocolate chips quantity can be adjusted depending on your preference for chocolate intensity.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
