Simple and Tasty Chinese Steamed Buns

Ingredients

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• 1 cup milk
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• ⅓ cup white sugar
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• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
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• 1 egg, beaten (Optional)
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• 1 cup all-purpose flour, or more if needed
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• ½ cup white sugar
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• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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• 1 cup finely grated fresh coconut
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• ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder
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• ½ cup all-purpose flour
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• 1 egg (Optional)
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• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish (Optional)
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Instructions

1. 1
   Place milk and 1/3 cup sugar in a small saucepan; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add 1/4 cup butter; gently warm mixture until butter melts and mixture warm but not hot—no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C).
2. 2
   Whisk 2 1/2 cups flour and yeast together until well combined; stir in milk mixture. Stir in 1 beaten egg until forms a sticky, wet dough. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface; knead for about 10 minutes, gradually kneading in 1 cup flour, or as needed, to make a smooth, elastic dough.
3. 3
   Form dough into a round ball, place into an oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4. 4
   Beat 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup butter in a bowl until light and fluffy; stir in coconut, milk powder, and 1/2 cup flour until smooth and combined. Set filling aside. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. 5
   Punch down dough on a floured surface; cut into 2 equal pieces. Cut each piece into 8 equal-sized pieces (16 pieces total). Form each piece into an oblong bun; flatten with a floured rolling pin. Spoon about 1 tablespoon filling in center of 1 flattened bun. Pull and pinch edges of dough together to enclose filling; place seam-side down onto a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining filling and flattened buns. Cover buns with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. 6
   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
7. 7
   Beat 1 egg in a bowl; brush on each bun for a glossy coating. Sprinkle each bun with sesame seeds.
8. 8
   Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool before serving.