Ultra Soft Milk Buns

**Ingredients:**

– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (450g) 

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g) 

– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (7g)

– 1 teaspoon salt (5g)

– 1 cup warm milk (250ml), around 110°F/43°C 

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (55g), softened 

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 2 tablespoons milk, for brushing

**Directions:**

1. **Warm and Mix:** Begin by gently warming the milk until it’s lukewarm, around 110°F (43°C). Combine the warm milk with the sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl. Stir lightly and let this mixture rest for about 5-7 minutes. This will activate the yeast, and you should see a frothy layer forming on the surface.

2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a small well in the center, which will later hold the wet ingredients.

3. **Mix Ingredients:** Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Add the softened butter and the beaten egg. Gradually combine the ingredients using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer on a low setting until a shaggy dough forms.

4. **Knead the Dough:** Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

5. **First Rise:** Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. **Shape the Buns:** After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the gas. Divide the dough into equal portions (approximately 12 pieces). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling it on the surface.

7. **Second Rise:** Arrange the shaped buns onto a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between each bun. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, so they can puff up nicely.

8. **Preheat Oven and Brush:** While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the buns lightly with milk. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown finish.

9. **Bake:** Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the buns are golden brown on top. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

**Tips:**

– For extra softness, replace some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.

– Ensure your yeast is not expired to guarantee a proper rise.

– If you don’t have unsalted butter, use salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe.

– For a sweeter bun, increase the sugar by a tablespoon.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 18 minutes

**Total Time:** 2 hours 38 minutes (including rising time)

**Calories:** Approximately 220 per bun