Ingredients

Tangzhong

• 4 Tbsp (60g) whole milk or unflavored almond milk
• 2 Tbsp (27g) water
• 2 Tbsp (20g) bread flour

Dough

• ½ cup (120g) whole milk or unflavored almond milk
• 1 Tbsp (9g) instant yeast
• 2.5 cups (320g) bread flour, plus more for bench flour
• 2.5 Tbsp (35g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (7g) fine sea salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 3 Tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, softened
• Cooking spray, for greasing

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• Splash of whole milk
• Melted butter or browned butter

Instructions

Tangzhong

1. Whisk all the ingredients together in a small saucepan.
2. Once combined, place over medium heat, and constantly whisk until the mixture thickens into a paste.
3. Remove to a small bowl and set aside.

Dough

1. Warm the milk to 95°F (35°C).
2. Whisk in the instant yeast until dissolved.
3. Store in a warm area and let sit for 8 minutes.
4. In a stand mixer bowl whisk together the dry ingredients.
5. Add the dough hook and turn the mixer on low.
6. Slowly stream in the milk and yeast mixture and mix for a few seconds to combine.
7. Add the tangzhong paste, egg and egg yolk.
8. Turn the mixer speed up to medium-low and continue to mix until evenly combined, turning the machine off and scraping down the sides of the bowl intermittently throughout mixing.
9. Gradually add the butter in pieces, mixing the butter into the dough completely before adding more.
10. Once the butter is incorporated, continue to knead the dough at medium-low speed for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth.
11. Lightly grease a medium bowl and set aside.
12. Remove the dough from the stand mixer and gently fold all the sides towards the center to help form a ball.
13. Place the dough seam side down on a clean work surface and roll it around on the board to create a tight, smooth ball.
14. Place the dough in the greased bowl, cover with a damp towel and place in a warm area to proof and double in size, about 1 - 1.5 hours.
15. After the dough has risen, punch the dough down and place on a lightly floured work surface.
16. Using a bench scraper, divide dough into 6 even pieces around 95–105 grams each.
17. To shape the individual buns, place one dough piece in the center of your board.
18. Gently stretch and fold the edges of the dough towards the center.
19. Flip the dough so it is seam side down.
20. Using your fingers pull the dough toward you, making sure the dough keeps contact with the board the entire time, to start to create tension and form a tight dough ball.
21. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat this process two more times or until you have done this for the entire perimeter of the bun and have a smooth, tight dough ball.
22. Line a rimmed sheet tray with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment.
23. Place the shaped dough on the prepared pan.
24. Repeat with the remaining dough, making sure to leave 2.5” (6cm) of space between each bun.
25. Cover with a similar-sized sheet tray that is flipped so that the dough will not dry out.
26. Let rise at room temperature for another 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Egg Wash and Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together the egg and milk until evenly combined.
3. Gently brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash.
4. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until deeply golden brown.
5. Remove the buns to a cooling rack and immediately brush generously with melted butter.
6. Let cool completely before serving.