Chinese Baked Sweet Bread Dough
Discover the magic of homemade Chinese Baked Sweet Bread Dough, a versatile and irresistibly soft dough that forms the foundation for many delightful Asian pastries and buns. This recipe combines pantry staples like all-purpose flour, whole milk, and a touch of sugar with the richness of softened butter and the fluffiness provided by active dry yeast. With a simple yet rewarding kneading process, this dough bakes into light, golden perfection, making it ideal for sweet or savory fillings. Whether you're crafting classic red bean buns, custard-filled rolls, or just savoring the pillowy bread on its own, this recipe ensures bakery-quality results every time. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy treat, this dough is a must-have for any baking enthusiast looking to explore the world of Asian-inspired bread!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 240 ml Whole milk
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 50 g Granulated sugar
- 400 g All-purpose flour
- 5 g Salt
- 60 g Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 Egg, room temperature
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil (for greasing bowl)
Instructions
Warm the whole milk to about 38°C (100°F), ensuring it's warm but not hot to the touch. Pour the milk into a small bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top, and add 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add the frothy milk-yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients.
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a large bowl with the vegetable oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it back to the floured surface and knead lightly for 1–2 minutes.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (or more, depending on your desired size). Shape each piece into a ball or your preferred shape for buns or pastries.
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes, until slightly puffy.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during the second rise.
Optionally, brush the tops of the dough with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your soft and fluffy Chinese baked sweet bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2434 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.2 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.6 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 347 mg | 116% | |
| Sodium | 2142 mg | 93% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 369.9 g | 135% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.0 g | ||
| Protein | 58.1 g | 116% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.7 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 398 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 19.8 mg | 110% | |
| Potassium | 1014 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
