Korean Sweet Red Bean Bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add the softened butter and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. First rise
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the bread
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Place 2-3 tablespoons of red bean paste in the center of each circle. Gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch to seal completely. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Second rise
   Cover the shaped buns with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
5. Prepare for baking
   Gently brush the tops of the buns with egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds. Using a sharp knife, make a small, shallow cut on top of each bun to create a decorative pattern (traditional designs include a cross or curved lines).
6. Bake the bread
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. If the bread is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Cool and serve
   Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. The bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.