Name: Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups bread flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F); 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

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If you’ve ever wished for the ultimate sweet bakery treat that melts in your mouth and lifts your spirits, look no further than Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns. These golden, pillowy beauties are studded with just the right amount of chocolate chips and carry the gentle richness of milk and butter in every bite. Each bun bakes up soft as a cloud, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at brunch, as a snack, or indulging in a comforting treat with your afternoon coffee.

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns is all about balance, starting with simple, honest ingredients. Every element, from the bread flour to the mini chocolate chips, plays a special role in achieving that dreamy softness and irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Bread flour: Gives the buns their signature fluff and chewy structure, so don’t swap this one out if you want the full cloud-like effect!
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to highlight the chocolate and provide a gently golden crust.
Instant yeast: Powers the rise, ensuring each bun is billowy and light; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors, so your buns don’t taste flat.
Warm milk (110°F): Enriches the dough and gives the buns their soft, springy crumb; check the temperature to wake up the yeast without hurting it.
Large egg: Binds and enriches, adding tenderness and that beautiful hue to the dough.
Unsalted butter (softened): Brings melt-in-the-mouth richness and helps create the softest crumb; make sure it’s fully softened for easy kneading.
Mini chocolate chips: Lend little bursts of chocolate throughout—mini chips distribute more evenly and give you chocolate in every bite.
Egg yolk + milk (for egg wash): This final touch ensures a glossy, golden finish on top for that just-baked, bakery-style allure.

How to Make Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns

Step 1: Make the Dough Base

Start by combining your bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. This ensures your rising agents and seasonings evenly disperse for the perfect crumb throughout your Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the warm milk and crack in your large egg. Mix until everything comes together into a shaggy, slightly sticky dough. This is the foundation for the tender texture that makes these milk buns so delightful.

Step 3: Knead in the Butter

Add the softened butter a tablespoon at a time, kneading well after each addition. This process might feel a bit slow, but it’s the secret to developing a smooth and elastic dough, which will bake up impossibly pillowy. Set your kitchen timer for about 8–10 minutes of kneading—your patience will totally pay off!

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Once the dough is silky and elastic, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed. A gentle touch here keeps your dough soft and prevents the chips from melting or breaking apart.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. It should about double in size in 1 to 1.5 hours. Watching the dough rise is unreasonably satisfying, and it sets the stage for those airy, light milk buns.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Punch down the risen dough to release extra air, then divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each piece into a neat ball by tucking and rolling on your counter, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remember to leave a little space between each for their second rise.

Step 7: Second Rise

Loosely cover the shaped buns and let them puff up for another 30–40 minutes. This second proofing step gives you that dreamy, cloud-like texture that defines Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush each bun generously with the egg wash—this is what gives them their golden glow! Bake for 18–20 minutes until puffed and beautifully bronzed. Try to resist eating them straight out of the oven (but I won’t tell if you sneak one!). Let them cool just a bit before serving so you don’t burn your tongue on molten chocolate.

How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns

Garnishes

Take your Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns over the top by dusting them with a little powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra aroma. For a glossy bakery-style look, a brush of melted butter right after baking does wonders.

Side Dishes

These buns are lovely alongside a fresh fruit salad at brunch or paired with a creamy vanilla latte for an indulgent snack. They also make an amazing companion to yogurt parfaits or a little bowl of berries for that balanced sweet treat feeling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin, or arrange them on a cake stand as the centerpiece of your table. You can even slice them and use as a base for chocolate-studded bread pudding or a sweet brunch sandwich with peanut butter or fruit preserves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any buns left (rare, but possible!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The buns stay soft and tender, making for a delicious grab-and-go snack or breakfast tomorrow.

Freezing

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns are freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or move on to the next step for that “just-baked” feeling.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-from-the-oven aroma and texture, pop your buns into a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave briefly for that soft, warm core. If you like, re-brush with melted butter before serving for a little extra decadence.

FAQs

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

You can substitute all-purpose flour if you must, but bread flour really is the magic ingredient for the signature pillowy-soft, chewy texture that makes Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns exceptional. The higher protein content gives them that bakery shop bounce!

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Mini chocolate chips distribute the best throughout the dough, but you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer taste. You could even experiment with white chocolate, just keep the total amount about the same so the buns bake up evenly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! After the first rise, cover the shaped dough balls and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and finish proofing before baking—great for prepping ahead of brunch or a special breakfast.

How do I know when the buns are baked through?

Look for a beautifully golden top, and if you tap the bottom of a bun it should sound slightly hollow. You can also use a thermometer if you want to be sure: the internal temp should hit about 190°F.

Are Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian! Just be sure your chocolate chips don’t contain any hidden animal-derived ingredients, as brands may vary.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, you won’t believe how easy and rewarding it is to bake up these Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns in your own kitchen. They’re light, chocolatey, and just a little bit addictive—absolutely worth every minute! Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the recipe with every friend who takes a bite.

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Milk Buns Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including rise time)
Yield: 8 buns 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of fluffy milk buns studded with mini chocolate chips, perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Additions:

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add warm milk and egg, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead and Incorporate Butter: Knead in softened butter until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
Integrate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips.
Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Shape: Punch down the dough, divide into 8 portions, shape into balls, and place on a baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F, brush tops with egg wash, bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Cool slightly before serving.