16 Chinese Butter Bun Recipe Cook Up Something Special!

Published on: Mar 20, 2024

Chinese butter buns, also known as "nai huang bao" in Mandarin, are a popular bakery item in China. These soft, fluffy buns are filled with a creamy, buttery custard, making them a perfect breakfast or snack option. While the traditional recipe for Chinese butter buns can be time-consuming and require specialized ingredients, here is a simplified version that will allow you to recreate this delicious treat in the comfort of your own kitchen. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic Chinese butter bun recipe.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients:

Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp instant yeast
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk, warmed
1/4 cup water, warmed

Filling:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add in the melted butter, warmed milk, and water. Mix well until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead the dough:

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Make the filling:

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until well combined. Add in the flour, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth and creamy custard filling forms.

4. Assemble the buns:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it with your palm. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center and gather the edges of the dough around it, pinching to seal the bun. Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, with the sealed side facing down.

5. Let the buns rise:

Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Bake the buns:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

7. Serve and enjoy:

Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Chinese butter buns are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Enjoy!

With this easy and delicious Chinese butter bun recipe, you can now bring the flavors of China into your own home. Impress your taste buds and your loved ones with these soft and creamy buns that are sure to become a new household favorite.