Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns- irresistible sweet & savory
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns have taken the internet by storm, and for good reason! These delightful little pastries are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and utterly indulgent, making them an irresistible treat. Imagin extracte fluffy, pillowy buns generously slathered with a garlicky, buttery concoction, then oozing with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese filling. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting, a testament to the genius of Korean baking. What truly sets Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns apart is that harmonious balance; the sharp punch of garlic cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, while a whisper of sweetness rounds out each glorious bite. They’re perfect for a snack, a dessert, or even an adventurous breakfast. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are so incredibly addictive!

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour! Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns have taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. These irresistibly soft, fluffy sweet rolls are hollowed out and generously filled with a luscious, tangy cream cheese mixture, then bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and sprinkled with herbs and cheese. The combination is pure magic – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer, a decadent snack, or a unique side dish, these buns are sure to impress. Let’s dive in and create these flavor bombs!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preparing the Rolls and Cream Cheese Filling
1. Prep Your Rolls: The first step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. Take your 16 King’s Hawaiian Origin extractal Sweet Rolls and let them sit out at room temperature for about 2 hours. This slight drying out process helps prevent them from becoming too soggy when we introduce the wet ingredients later. Don’t worry, they won’t become hard or stnon-alcoholic ale; they’ll just be a little firmer, which is exactly what we want. Once they’ve had their little rest, you’ll need to carefully cut a “lid” off the top of each roll. Use a sharp knife and be gentle to avoid squishing the rolls. Then, use a spoon or your fingers to gently hollow out the inside of each roll, leaving a small border around the edges and a bit of bread at the bottom. This creates the perfect little vessel for our delicious filling. Set the hollowed-out rolls and their “lids” aside.
2. Craft the Cream Cheese Dream: Now for the star of the show inside! In a medium bowl, combine the 8 oz of room-temperature cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature – this is key for achieving a smooth, lump-free filling. Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, starting with 2 and tasting as you go. The amount you use will depend on how sweet you prefer your filling. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream cheese mixture until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps whatsoever. You can also do this with a spatula if you’re feeling strong, but a mixer will give you the best results. This creamy filling will be spooned into the hollowed-out rolls.
Assembling and Baking the Buns
3. Fill ‘Em Up: Take your hollowed-out sweet rolls and generously spoon the prepared cream cheese filling into each one. Don’t be shy! Fill them up almost to the brim. Once filled, place the “lids” back on top of each bun. This helps seal in all that creamy goodness and gives the buns their signature look. Arrange the filled buns snugly in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It’s important that they are close together so they can help each other rise and stay soft during baking.
4. Whip Up the Garlic Butter Bath: In a separate small bowl, melt your 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, whisk in 1 large egg. This egg acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the butter and other liquids together. Next, add 1/4 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. For that intense garlic flavor that makes these buns so addictive, add 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped or minced garlic. The more garlic, the more garlicky! Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt for seasoning. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for a hint of warmth and color, and 2 tablespoons of grated or shredded parmesan cheese for that extra savory punch. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.
5. The Golden Glaze and Bake: Now comes the magical part! Generously brush or spoon this glorious garlic butter mixture all over the tops and sides of the assembled buns. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated. You want them to be fully enrobed in this flavorful elixir. This is what will give them that beautiful golden-brown color and incredible aroma as they bake.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is bubbly and slightly melted. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. You want them to be beautifully golden, not burnt. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, when the cream cheese is melty and the garlic butter is fragrant. Be prepared for an irresistible aroma to fill your kitchen! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these delightful Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns! They truly are a triumph of simple ingredients coming together to create something utterly irresistible. The combination of fluffy, slightly sweet bread, a rich and tangy cream cheese filling, and that pungent, savory garlic butter glaze is simply heavenly. These buns are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for snacking, serving as a side dish, or even as a decadent dessert. Don’t be intimidated by the steps; each part is straightforward and the reward is so worth it. Give this recipe a try – I’m confident you’ll fall in love with these Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns just as much as I have!
For serving, these are fantastic alongside a hearty Korean meal, or just on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also get creative with variations! Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley to the cream cheese filling for an extra herbaceous note, or a dash of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a hint of heat. Some people even like to add a touch of honey to the garlic butter for a sweeter finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before piping it into the buns for easier handling.
What kind of bread is best for these buns?
While this recipe is designed for a soft, slightly sweet milk bread dough, you can also achieve great results with a brioche or even a good quality store-bought dinner roll dough. The key is a tender crum extractb that can soak up all that delicious garlic butter!
My garlic butter mixture seems too thin. What should I do?
If your garlic butter is a bit thin, you can try gently heating it for a few more minutes over low heat, stirring constantly, to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can slightly reduce the amount of melted butter next time.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Deliciously sweet and savory Korean-style garlic buns filled with cream cheese and brushed with a garlic-butter mixture. Perfect for a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
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16 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, ideally dried out at room temperature for 2 hours
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8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
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2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, to taste
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Pinch of salt
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1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted
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1 large egg
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1/4 cup milk
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2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
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2-3 tablespoons chopped or minced garlic
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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2 tablespoons grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each sweet roll in half horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates a pocket for the filling. -
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe this mixture into the pocket of each sliced roll. -
Step 3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, chopped parsley, paprika, and parmesan cheese. -
Step 4
Arrange the filled rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops and sides of the rolls generously with the garlic-butter mixture. -
Step 5
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the filling is warm and slightly melted. Serve immediately.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
