Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for soft, pillowy bread, you are going to adore this Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe. These buns are the perfect blend of tender, milky bread enriched with sweet, melty chocolate chips tucked inside every bite. What makes them really special is the use of a Tangzhong starter to ensure that the texture stays incredibly fluffy and moist for days, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try these milk buns, they’ll become your go-to comfort snack or breakfast delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing this Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe is surprisingly straightforward thanks to a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting that ideal balance of flavor, texture, and richness you’ll notice in every soft bite.

• Water (3 tbsp + 1 tsp): Helps create the Tangzhong paste which locks in moisture for extra fluffiness.
• Milk (3 tbsp + ½ cup + 3 tbsp + 2 tbsp): Provides creaminess and tenderness to the dough, plus a final glaze for shine.
• Bread flour (2 tbsp + 2 ¾ cups): Higher protein content builds strong gluten for perfect chewiness.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup + 2 tbsp): Sweetens the dough just enough to highlight the chocolate chips without overpowering.
• Large egg: Adds richness and contributes to the glossy finish.
• Salt (¾ tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Instant dry yeast (1 ½ tsp): The magic agent that makes the buns rise beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Delivers tenderness and a subtle buttery flavor.
• Dark chocolate chips (¾ to 1 cup): Melty pockets of rich chocolate that take these buns to heavenly levels.

How to Make Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

Start by creating the Tangzhong, which is a simple flour and liquid paste. Combine your water, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 2 tablespoons of bread flour in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously for about two minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth, pudding-like paste. This step is a secret weapon that locks moisture into the buns, giving them their signature softness. Once thickened, remove from heat and cover it while it cools to room temperature.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a spacious bowl, blend together the larger portion of bread flour, sugar, and salt. Add the instant dry yeast and mix well to evenly distribute it throughout the dry ingredients. Next, stir in the melted butter, the remaining milk, your cooled Tangzhong mixture, and the egg until a shaggy dough begins to form. This hearty mix is the foundation of your fluffy chocolate chip milk buns.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Now it’s time to get your hands (or your stand mixer) working. Knead the dough either by hand or using the dough hook on your mixer for 6 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, up to 2 tablespoons, but be careful not to dry it out. The dough should bounce back when you poke it gently.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough into a generously greased bowl and cover it to keep warm. Allow it to rise undisturbed for about 50 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This gentle rise is crucial to getting those airy pockets inside the buns.

Step 5: Incorporate the Chocolate Chips

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air, then knead in the chocolate chips evenly. Take your time here to ensure every bite has sweet surprises without bursting chocolate everywhere.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Divide the dough into nine equal pieces, and roll each into a perfect little ball. Place them in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, making sure to leave some space between each ball to allow for their next rise.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely and let the dough proof again for 25 to 30 minutes. This final rise ensures that your buns will bake up light and lofty.

Step 8: Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Just before baking, brush the buns with 2 tablespoons of milk to encourage a lovely golden color. Bake them for 19 to 23 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and irresistible.

Step 9: Finish with a Glossy Milk Glaze

While the buns are still warm, give them a gentle brush with a little more milk for that soft, glossy finish that looks as delightful as it tastes. Allow the buns to cool slightly before digging in.

How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, dust the cooled buns lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top right after brushing with milk before baking. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can also add a lovely contrast to the sweet dough.

Side Dishes

These buns pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, milk, or your favorite tea. If serving at brunch, they’re wonderful alongside fresh fruit or a simple spread of butter and jam to enhance their comforting flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the buns and toasting the pieces lightly, then spread with cream cheese or Nutella for a delightful twist. You can also hollow them out and fill with whipped cream or pastry cream for a fancy dessert. These ideas make the Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe even more versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread.

Freezing

These buns freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the buns into a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also microwave them briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel for a quick refresh that preserves softness while warming the chocolate to melty perfection.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, bread flour’s higher protein content creates better gluten development, resulting in the ideal chew and fluffy texture characteristic of this recipe.

What is Tangzhong and why is it used?

Tangzhong is a cooked flour and liquid mixture that locks moisture into the dough. It’s key to making the buns extra soft, fluffy, and keeps them fresh longer compared to traditional bread recipes.

Can I substitute dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate?

Absolutely, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips. Just be mindful that milk chocolate tends to be sweeter, so adjust the sugar if you want a more balanced flavor.

How long do the buns stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the buns will stay soft and fresh for about 2 days, thanks to the Tangzhong method.

Is it possible to make these buns vegan?

This recipe includes egg, milk, and butter, but you can experiment with substitutes like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might change slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bake something irresistibly soft, sweet, and chocolatey, this Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug baked right into your kitchen, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Give it a try and see how the delicate balance of light bread and gooey chocolate chips can truly brighten up any day.

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