Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns- Irresistible Recipe

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are more than just a pastry; they’re a fluffy, savory, and irresistibly decadent experience that has taken the internet by storm. Have you ever dreamt of a bite that perfectly balances the creamy richness of cream cheese with the pungent punch of garlic, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy bun? That’s precisely the magic of these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns. They’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, a delightful appetizer, or even a surprising treat to impress your friends. What sets them apart is that incredible sweet and savory glaze, a secret weapon that elevates the humble bun into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to fall in love with this viral sensation!

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are absolutely addictive. They’re a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy, with that irresistible garlic punch. If you’ve ever seen these viral delights online and wondered if you could make them at home, the answer is a resounding YES! They’re surprisingly easy to whip up and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering, or just for a delightful treat for yourself. The magic truly lies in the combination of soft, slightly sweet buns, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a fragrant, buttery garlic glaze. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to snag one of these delicious buns.

Ingredients:

Making the Magic Happen:

The process for creating these delightful buns can be broken down into a few key stages, each contributing to the final explosion of flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; most of them are pantry staples, and the assembly is quite straightforward. The slight drying of the rolls is a crucial step that helps them absorb the delicious garlic butter without becoming soggy.

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

First things first, let’s get our creamy filling ready. In a medium bowl, combine the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste as you go; you can add more if you prefer a sweeter filling. Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. Using a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed, beat the cream cheese mixture until it’s smooth and lump-free. You want a consistency that’s spreadable but not too runny. This smooth, slightly sweet cream cheese will be the luscious heart of our buns. Set this aside for now.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze

Now for the star of the show: the garlic butter! In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup of milk. This combination will create a rich and emulsified glaze that coats the buns beautifully. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, your chopped or minced garlic (use more or less depending on your garlic preference – I love a good punch!), 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the chopped fresh parsley. Finally, add the paprika for a touch of color and flavor, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined. This fragrant, golden liquid is going to transform our humble sweet rolls into something truly extraordinary.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

This is where the fun really begin extracts! Take your slightly dried King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls. You’ll want to make a cut into each bun, but not all the way through. Imagin extracte you’re creating a pocket. A sharp knife works best here. Carefully slice into the side of each bun, creating a cavity that will hold our delicious cream cheese filling. You want to make sure you don’t cut all the way to the bottom or the other side, so the filling stays neatly inside. Once you’ve made these little pockets in all 16 rolls, it’s time to fill them.

Step 4: Fill and Coat the Buns

Now, take your prepared cream cheese filling. Using a small spoon or a piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy!), carefully spoon or pipe a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the pocket you created in each sweet roll. Don’t overstuff them, or the filling might ooze out too much during baking. Once all the buns are filled, arrange them snuggly in a baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish usually works well for 16 buns. After filling, it’s time to drench them in that glorious garlic butter glaze. Generously pour the garlic butter mixture all over the top and sides of the filled buns. Make sure each bun gets a good coating; this is what gives them that incredible flavor and golden crust. Let the buns sit in the glaze for about 5-10 minutes, allowing them to soak up some of that deliciousness before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish with the buns into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the buns are beautifully golden brown and puffed up, and the garlic butter glaze has bubbled and caramelized slightly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent any burning. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly! Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. For an extra touch of freshness, you can sprinkle a little more chopped parsley on top right after they come out of the oven. Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot. These are best enjoyed warm, when the cream cheese is melty and the garlic glaze is at its most fragrant. Get ready for some serious compliments!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are an absolute dream. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and gloriously cheesy, with that irresistible garlicky aroma filling your kitchen. The soft, pillowy bun soaked in buttery garlic goodness and studded with pockets of creamy, tangy cream cheese makes for a truly decadent treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a delightful snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a unique addition to your brunch spread. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

For serving, these buns are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a simple side salad to cut through the richness, or alongside a hearty soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley to the cream cheese filling for an extra pop of freshness, or even a dash of chili flakes for a hint of heat. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it undergo its first rise in the refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation can actually deepen the flavor of the buns. Just bring it to room temperature for about an hour before shaping and proceeding with the recipe.

What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I substitute it?

While cream cheese is key to the signature flavor, you could try using a mixture of softened mascarpone cheese and a touch of sour cream for a similar tangy richness. However, the texture might be slightly different, and the classic Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns flavor will be altered.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days. To refresh them, gently reheat them in a low oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are transformed into irresistible garlic buns with a luscious cream cheese filling and a savory garlic butter coating. Perfect for a snack or side dish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
16 buns

Ingredients

• 16 King’s Hawaiian Origin extractal Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, ideally dried out at room temperature for 2 hours
• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, to taste
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped or minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons grated or shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2
   Cut a slit into the top of each dried Hawaiian roll, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spoon or pipe about 1-2 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling into the slit of each roll.
3. Step 3
   Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, chopped parsley, paprika, and parmesan cheese.
4. Step 4
   Arrange the filled rolls in a baking dish. Pour or brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, ensuring it seeps into the slits.
5. Step 5
   Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the filling is warm and slightly melted.
6. Step 6
   Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.