Korean Milk Cream Donuts (Bakery Style)

 

Korean Milk Cream Donuts (Bakery Style)

Korean Milk Cream Donuts (Bakery Style)

Introduction

Korean bakeries are renowned for their soft breads, delicate pastries, and cream-filled delights. Among their most popular creations are milk cream donuts—pillowy fried dough filled with a silky, lightly sweetened milk cream. Unlike overly sugary Western donuts, these treats are balanced, elegant, and refined, making them perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert.

This guide provides a complete recipe for Korean milk cream donuts, along with tips, variations, serving ideas, and cultural context to help you recreate bakery-style perfection at home.

The Appeal of Korean Milk Cream Donuts

  • Soft texture: Enriched dough creates a tender, fluffy bite.
  • Unique filling: Milk cream is lighter than custard or buttercream.
  • Balanced sweetness: Subtle flavor makes them more sophisticated.
  • Bakery-style finish: Powdered sugar dusting adds elegance.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp salt

Filling

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp milk powder
  • 2 tbsp condensed milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frying & Finishing

  • Neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough

Combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, milk, butter, and egg. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10–12 minutes.

2. First Rise

Cover and let dough rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

3. Shape Donuts

Punch down dough, divide into 10–12 pieces, and shape into balls. Place on parchment-lined tray.

4. Second Rise

Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

5. Fry Donuts

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts until golden brown, 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

6. Prepare Filling

Whip cream with sugar, milk powder, condensed milk, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

7. Fill Donuts

Once cooled, cut a slit in each donut and pipe in milk cream.

8. Finish

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

  • Use bread flour for chewy yet soft texture.
  • Warm milk helps yeast activate properly.
  • Fry in small batches for even cooking.
  • Cool donuts before filling to prevent melting.
  • Best enjoyed fresh the same day.

Flavor Variations

  • Matcha Milk Cream Donuts: Add 1 tsp matcha powder to filling.
  • Chocolate Cream Donuts: Mix cocoa powder into filling.
  • Strawberry Cream Donuts: Fold in diced strawberries.
  • Coffee Cream Donuts: Add espresso powder for mocha flavor.
  • Coconut Cream Donuts: Replace milk powder with coconut milk powder.

Serving Ideas

  • Arrange donuts on a tray with powdered sugar dusting for bakery-style presentation.
  • Pair with green tea, milk tea, or coffee.
  • Serve with fresh fruit and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
  • Make mini versions for parties and gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Under-kneading dough leads to dense donuts.
  • Oil that’s too hot burns outside while leaving inside raw.
  • Skipping second rise results in flat donuts.
  • Overfilling causes cream to burst out.

Nutritional Notes

  • Calories: ~250 per donut (depending on filling).
  • Protein: From milk and cream.
  • Carbs: From flour and sugar.
  • Customization: Use low-fat cream or alternative sweeteners for lighter version.

FAQs

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, though texture will differ.

How long do they last?
Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1–2 days.

Can I freeze them?
Freeze unfried dough balls; thaw and fry when ready.

Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes, prepare cream and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Cultural Context

Korean milk cream donuts reflect the country’s bakery culture, which blends Western techniques with Asian preferences for lighter, less sweet desserts. Bakeries in Seoul and Busan often showcase these donuts alongside milk bread, cream buns, and fruit-filled pastries. Their popularity stems from the balance of indulgence and subtlety, appealing to both traditional and modern tastes.

Advanced Tips for Home Bakers

  • Temperature control: Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F.
  • Consistency in size: Weigh dough balls for uniform donuts.
  • Professional filling: Use a piping bag with a long nozzle for even cream distribution.
  • Storage: Store filled donuts in airtight containers to prevent drying.
  • Presentation: Garnish with edible flowers or fruit slices for café-style plating.

Conclusion

Korean milk cream donuts are a bakery-style indulgence that combines soft, fluffy dough with a delicate milk cream filling. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of Korean bakeries at home, impressing family and friends with a treat that looks and tastes professional.

Whether served with tea, enjoyed as a snack, or presented at a party, these donuts are guaranteed to delight. Their balance of sweetness, texture, and elegance makes them a standout dessert worth mastering.

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