Ingredients

• ●To taste **For the Dough:**
• ●250g Bread flour
• ●50g All-purpose flour
• ●40g Granulated sugar
• ●1 tsp Instant dry yeast
• ●1/2 tsp Salt
• ●150ml Milk, lukewarm
• ●1 large Egg
• ●30g Unsalted butter, softened
• ●To taste **For the Topping:**
• ●120g All-purpose flour
• ●60g Powdered sugar
• ●60g Unsalted butter, softened
• ●20g Lard (optional, see notes)
• ●1 large Egg yolk
• ●1 tbsp Milk powder
• ●1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
• ●To taste **For Serving (Optional):**
• ●as needed Cold unsalted butter, thick slices

Instructions

1. 1**Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, combine bread flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. 2In a separate bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk and egg. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. 3Add the softened butter and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer.
4. 4Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5**Make the Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, lard (if using), egg yolk, milk powder, and vanilla extract.
6. 6Use your fingertips to rub the ingredients together until they form a crumbly mixture. Do not overmix.
7. 7Divide the topping into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion between two sheets of parchment paper into a thin disc, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place the discs in the refrigerator to chill while the dough rises.
8. 8**Assemble and Bake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. 9Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
10. 10Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. 11Remove the topping discs from the refrigerator and gently place one on top of each dough ball. Lightly press the topping onto the dough.
12. 12Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the topping is crisp.
13. 13Let the buns cool slightly before serving. For the full Hong Kong experience, slice the buns in half and insert a thick slice of cold butter.