Fluffy Cream Cheese Buns: the Easy Recipe for a Soft and Fragrant Breakfast Staple!

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, yeasty bun. But how do you elevate this tasty treat to another level? A generous dollop of rich, creamy cheese nestled within its fluffy folds. Enter Cream Cheese Buns! The dough involves typical pantry ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, sugar, and butter. But the real magic happens with the filling: cream cheese! Each bite of the fluffy, pillowy bread is filled with just the right amount of creaminess and sweetness. They not only taste delicious (you won’t be able to stop at one!), but they are also pretty to look at and great for impressing your guests. They're perfect for whipping up on a lazy weekend or impressing your loved ones with a homemade treat.

What are Cream Cheese Buns?

Cream cheese buns are tasty pastries filled with sweet and tangy cream cheese, and can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. Some believe they might be an evolution of cheese danishes, which themselves have roots in Central and Eastern Europe.  However, cream cheese, a staple ingredient, wasn't widely available in the United States until the late 19th century. This suggests that cream cheese buns likely emerged sometime in the early 20th century, perhaps in bakeries across North America or Europe.

Cream cheese buns come in various forms around the world. Japan has its "Shokupan" (sweet milk bread) with cream cheese filling, while Korea boasts "Ppang Gat" – a sweet cream cheese bread with a crispy exterior. While most popular as a sweet treat, cream cheese buns can also be enjoyed with savory fillings like herbs and spices. These cream cheese buns are simple and easy to make. With basic bread-making skills, you can whip up a batch at home for a satisfying homemade treat!

Tips

• Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, leading to a light and airy texture. Knead for at least 10 minutes by hand or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. The dough should double in size, indicating proper fermentation.
• Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easy mixing. This prevents lumps in your filling and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Adjust the sugar content in your filling to your taste preference. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a unique twist.
• Don't be afraid to personalize the buns! Vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even a pinch of cinnamon can elevate your cream cheese filling to new heights.
• Brushing the tops of your buns with an egg wash before baking creates a beautiful golden brown color and adds a touch of shine.

My Dough Isn't Rising! What Went Wrong?

There could be a few reasons. Double-check the yeast expiration date and ensure the milk temperature is lukewarm (not too hot) to activate the yeast. Did the dough have enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free location?

My Cream Cheese Filling Is Too Runny. How Can I Thicken It?

Did the cream cheese soften completely at room temperature? A bit of extra time can make a difference. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling before mixing.

Can I Add Other Flavors to The Cream Cheese Filling?

Absolutely! Vanilla extract, lemon zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon can add a delicious twist.

My Buns Are Burning on The Outside but Raw in The Center. What's Happening?

This could be due to uneven oven temperature. Consider using an oven thermometer to check for accuracy. You can also try lowering the baking temperature slightly and extending the baking time.

Can I Make Cream Cheese Buns Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assembled and unbaked buns can be refrigerated overnight. Take them out 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature. Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or frozen for longer storage.

More Pillowy Buns To Try!

Fluffy Buns in a Pan

Air Fryer Buns

Bicolor Sweet Buns

Maritozzi Buns

Blueberry Cheesecake Danish Buns

How to Store Cream Cheese Buns

The buns are best enjoyed fresh, but leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. You can also refresh them by briefly warming them in a low oven or microwave.

How To Make Cream Cheese Buns

Step 1

Step 1

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy (proofs). This activates the yeast for a proper rise.

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy (proofs). This activates the yeast for a proper rise.

Step 2

Step 2

Then, stir in melted butter, egg, flour, and salt.

Then, stir in melted butter, egg, flour, and salt.

Step 3

Step 3

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Step 4

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Step 5

While the dough rises, in another bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and sugar until well combined.

While the dough rises, in another bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and sugar until well combined.

Step 6

Step 6

Once the dough has doubled, punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal balls.

Once the dough has doubled, punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal balls.

Step 7

Step 7

Roll out each ball on a lightly floured surface into a circle. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each circle.

Roll out each ball on a lightly floured surface into a circle. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each circle.

Step 8

Step 8

Carefully fold the dough circles over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.

Carefully fold the dough circles over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.

Step 9

Step 9

Transfer the filled buns to a baking tin.

Transfer the filled buns to a baking tin.

Step 10

Step 10

Using kitchen scissors, cut the dough into three pieces. Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Using kitchen scissors, cut the dough into three pieces. Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 11

Step 11

In the meanwhile, make a butter and flour mixture by mixing butter, flour, and milk. Pipe the flour mixture on top of the risen buns in a zigzag pattern.

In the meanwhile, make a butter and flour mixture by mixing butter, flour, and milk. Pipe the flour mixture on top of the risen buns in a zigzag pattern.

Step 12

Step 12

Brush the exposed dough (the parts not covered by the flour topping) with the egg wash.

Brush the exposed dough (the parts not covered by the flour topping) with the egg wash.

Step 13

Step 13

Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving and enjoy!

Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving and enjoy!