hedgehog bean paste buns

How to Make Custard Cream Hedgehog Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hedgehog buns, named for their adorable spiky appearance, are a delightful treat combining soft, fluffy dough with sweet red bean paste. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients:

For the dough: 300g all-purpose flour, 3g yeast, 30g sugar, 15g butter, 150ml warm milk, 1 egg.

For the filling: 200g red bean paste.

For decoration: Black sesame seeds (for eyes), sliced almonds (for ears).

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk, let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix in the egg, then gradually add flour and knead into a smooth dough. Add butter and knead until elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

2. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Flatten each into a circle, wrap in 2 tbsp red bean paste, and seal tightly. Roll the dough into an oval shape, with one end slightly pointed (the nose).

3. Create spikes: Make 5-6 shallow cuts on the non-pointed end with scissors, then gently pull the cuts outward to form spikes.

4. Add details: Place black sesame seeds on the pointed end for eyes, and insert almond slices near the top for ears.

5. Proof and steam: Let the buns rise for 20 minutes. Steam over high heat for 15 minutes, then rest for 5 minutes before serving.

These cute hedgehog buns are soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea!