
Craving a soft, savory, and slightly sweet snack that melts in your mouth? Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are your go-to indulgence! These buns are a perfect mix of creaminess, garlicky goodness, and buttery softness. Let’s look into the recipe that i make for you all and what makes these buns a culinary delight and how you can make them at home.
What Are Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns?
Origins of This Iconic Snack
Korean cream cheese garlic buns originated as a trendy street food in South Korea. Combining Western baking techniques with Korean culinary flair, these buns quickly became a sensation worldwide.
Why They’re a Global Favorite
The buns strike the perfect balance of flavors: a slightly sweet bread, creamy filling, and aromatic garlic butter topping. It’s no wonder they’re a hit across the globe!

Essential Ingredients
For the Dough
Creating the perfect bread starts with simple, high-quality ingredients:
- All-purpose flour or bread flour for structure.
- Yeast to make the dough rise.
- Milk and butter for richness.
- A touch of sugar to enhance flavor and aid in fermentation.
Cream Cheese Filling Essentials
The filling is the heart of this dish:
- Cream cheese as the star ingredient.
- Powdered sugar to sweeten the mixture slightly.
- Optional: A dash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
The Garlic Butter Sauce Components
The sauce is what gives this bread its unforgettable character:
- Melted butter as the base.
- Minced garlic for that aromatic kick.
- Condensed milk for sweetness.
- Parsley and salt for seasoning.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
Preparing the Bread Dough
- Mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and warm milk in a bowl.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise in a warm spot for an hour until it doubles in size.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag.
Crafting the Garlic Butter Coating
- Melt butter in a small saucepan.
- Add minced garlic, parsley, and a splash of milk. Stir well.
Assembling the Buns
- Slice buns into six sections, like a flower, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Pipe the cream cheese filling into each section.
- Dunk each bun into the garlic butter coating.
Baking to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the buns for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.

How to Make the Best Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
- To achieve a light and fluffy texture, make sure the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Use fresh garlic, don’t use too much garlic.
- Add grated cheese or spices for an extra kick of flavor.
Variations to Try
- Try a filling with mascarpone and honey for a sweeter take.
- Incorporate chili flakes or sriracha into the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
Pairing Suggestions
- For the perfect treat, pair these buns with a delicious iced coffee or green tea.
- A mild salad or a cup of soup accompanies the buns perfectly.
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
DifficultyMedium
Servings6
Prep time25 minutes
Cook time18 minutes
Total time43 minutes
Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns are an irresistible blend of textures and flavors, making them a must-try recipe for anyone who loves baking. With this guide, you’re now equipped to whip up these delectable treats at home. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and wow your friends and family with your baking skills!
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough
- 2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted vegan butter, melted
- 1 large egg (or a flaxseed egg for vegan options)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream, (or plant-based cream for vegan options)
For the Garlic Butter Coating
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp milk, (or plant-based milk for vegan options)
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
Preparing the Bread Dough
- 1
Mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and warm milk in a bowl.
- 2
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 3
Let it rise in a warm spot for an hour until it doubles in size.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
- 1
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
- 2
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag.
Crafting the Garlic Butter Coating
- 1
Melt butter in a small saucepan.
- 2
Add minced garlic, parsley, and a splash of milk. Stir well.
Assembling the Buns
- 1
Slice buns into six sections, like a flower, but don’t cut all the way through.
- 2
Pipe the cream cheese filling into each section.
- 3
Dunk each bun into the garlic butter coating.
Baking to Perfection
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
Bake the buns for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.
Notes
How to Make the Best Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns
- To achieve a light and fluffy texture, make sure the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Use fresh garlic, don’t use too much garlic.
- Add grated cheese or spices for an extra kick of flavor.
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