Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are the delightful little clouds of flavor you never knew you needed. Imagine biting into a fluffy, warm bun that bursts with creamy, garlicky goodness, leaving you in a state of blissful euphoria. delicious babka buns With each bite, you’re greeted by a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance like they just won the lottery. For more inspiration, check out this creamy garlic chicken recipe recipe.
The first time I tasted these magic buns was at a bustling street market in Seoul. The aroma wafting from the vendor’s cart was so intoxicating that I couldn’t resist. As I devoured one, I felt like I had discovered the culinary equivalent of a treasure chest. Now, I make them at home for my family and friends on special occasions, and the reactions are always priceless. You might want to brace yourself for some serious flavor fireworks when you serve these!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are surprisingly easy to make at home
- Their flavor profile is a delightful fusion of savory garlic and rich cream cheese
- Visually, they are golden brown with an irresistible glossy finish that will impress anyone
- These buns are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or a delicious side dish for any meal
My friends still rave about those unforgettable buns from our last potluck—they almost started a fan club!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your dough; choose a good quality flour for best results.
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Yeast: Instant yeast works well here for quick rising; make sure it’s fresh.
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Sugar: A pinch of sugar feeds the yeast, helping it rise beautifully.
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Milk: Use whole milk for richness; warm it slightly to activate the yeast.
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Butter: Unsalted butter adds moisture and flavor; melt it before mixing into your dough.
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Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling irresistibly creamy and rich.
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Garlic Powder: This gives a robust flavor; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your filling. strawberry crunch donuts.
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Salt: Essential for balancing flavors; don’t skip it!
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Egg Wash (Egg + Water): For that beautiful golden finish on your buns before baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory mini quiches.
Let’s Make it Together
Create Your Dough: Start by warming your milk until it’s lukewarm—like taking it out for coffee on a chilly day. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast, then slowly add in the milk and melted butter while mixing until everything comes together.
Knead Like You Mean It: Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it vigorously for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—think of it as giving your dough some serious love.
Let It Rise: Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size—this is when the magic happens!
Create the Filling: While waiting, mix softened cream cheese with garlic powder and chopped green onions in a bowl until creamy and well combined—your kitchen should smell divine by now.
Shape Your Buns: Once your dough has risen successfully, punch it down gently (take out any frustrations). Divide into equal pieces and roll each piece into circles. Place some filling in the center then fold up the edges like sealing an envelope filled with secrets.
Bake Them Up: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while letting shaped buns rise again for about 30 minutes on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Brush them with egg wash before popping them into the oven until they’re golden brown (around 15-20 minutes)—the aroma will be heavenly!
These steps will lead you through making your very own Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns from scratch! Enjoy each moment as you create these delightful treats because cooking should always feel like a celebration! cream cheese stuffed French toast.
You Must Know
- Korean cream cheese garlic buns are fluffy, decadent, and bursting with flavor
- The blend of creamy cheese and garlic creates an irresistible aroma that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo during a binge-watching session!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough while your cream cheese filling chills in the fridge. This way, you maximize time efficiency and ensure perfect puffiness in your buns.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cream cheese for a spicy pepper spread or add green onions for extra flavor. Experimenting keeps the recipe fresh and exciting!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat them briefly in the oven to regain their fluffy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure the dough rises properly by keeping it warm and covered; this makes all the difference!
- Avoid overmixing when making the dough; it can lead to tough buns
- Lastly, brush with butter right before serving for an extra delicious finish
Sometimes, I whip up these buns when friends come over. Watching their faces light up as they take that first bite never gets old!
FAQ
What is the best way to serve Korean cream cheese garlic buns?
For more inspiration, check out this honey garlic chicken recipe.
These buns shine when served warm, straight from the oven, drizzled with garlic butter.
Can I freeze these buns for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! Freeze them after baking and reheat directly from frozen for a quick treat.
How long do these buns stay fresh?
Korean cream cheese garlic buns remain fresh for about three days at room temperature.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are fluffy, savory delights that combine rich cream cheese with a hint of garlic, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Perfectly golden brown and irresistibly soft, these buns are ideal as appetizers or side dishes for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create these culinary treasures at home and impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Warm the milk until lukewarm. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and yeast; gradually add milk and melted butter, mixing until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, mix cream cheese with garlic powder and chopped green onions until creamy.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into circles, place filling in the center, and seal edges.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Let shaped buns rise for another 30 minutes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush with egg wash before baking for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting cream cheese with spicy pepper spread or adding herbs like dill. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze after baking for later enjoyment.