If you have ever wanted to experience a bakery treat that perfectly balances a soft, pillowy interior with a delectably crisp, fragrant coffee-infused crust, then this Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful buns are a match made in heaven for anyone who adores that rich, buttery coffee flavor combined with a tender dough that practically melts in your mouth. From the moment you start working with the ingredients to the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen, this recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s giving structure to the dough, adding sweetness, or building that irresistible coffee topping that defines the bun’s character.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for tender yet sturdy buns.
- Granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Instant yeast: The life of the dough, helping it rise beautifully and become airy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Warm milk: Gives moisture and tenderness to the dough while activating the yeast.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the buns and the topping.
- Egg: Contributes to a soft texture and helps with the dough’s rise.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth and sweetness in both dough and topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the coffee topping’s texture.
- Instant coffee (dissolved in hot water): Gives the topping that signature bold coffee flavor.
- Egg wash (egg + milk): Ensures a glossy, golden finish on the buns.
How to Make Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Start by blending your dry ingredients — flour, sugar, yeast, and salt — in a bowl. Then whisk together the warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract separately before mixing them into your dry components. This creates a smooth dough that’s full of flavor from the very beginning.
Step 2: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is essential for developing the gluten, which gives your buns a wonderfully chewy yet tender texture.
Step 3: Let It Rise Beautifully
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This resting period allows the yeast to work its magic, doubling the dough’s size and making it light and airy.
Step 4: Whip Up the Coffee Topping
While you wait for the dough, mix the softened butter, powdered sugar, dissolved coffee, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This topping is what sets the Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe apart, delivering that distinct crisp coffee crust you will love.
Step 5: Shape Your Buns
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a perfect little ball, placing them on a parchment-lined baking tray, ready for the final rise.
Step 6: The Final Rise
Allow the dough balls to rest and puff up again for 20 to 30 minutes. This step ensures that the buns bake up light and fluffy inside while the topping crisps up beautifully.
Step 7: Add the Egg Wash and Topping
Brush the buns with your egg wash mixture to create a golden exterior. Then, spoon or pipe your luscious coffee topping on each bun, swirling it high and proud to achieve that signature look.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your buns at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the coffee crust has formed a delightful crunch. Let them cool just slightly—you’ll want to enjoy these warm for the full effect.
How to Serve Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of sweetened condensed milk can complement the rich coffee topping wonderfully. Fresh mint leaves or a small dollop of whipped cream add a lovely touch of freshness when serving.
Side Dishes
These buns pair beautifully with your morning cup of coffee or a cup of hot tea. For something heartier, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these buns stacked on a tiered plate for a cozy brunch vibe or offer each guest a small ramekin of homemade coffee butter to spread on warm buns. They’re equally fantastic wrapped individually as a cute gift for friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness and freshness. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.
Freezing
Papparoti Coffee Buns freeze very well. Once cooled, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored frozen for up to two months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the buns and warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the crust crisp and the inside soft and warm, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Just remember to use about double the amount of fresh yeast compared to instant yeast, and dissolve it in warm milk before mixing it with the other ingredients for even rising.
What type of coffee works best for the topping?
Instant coffee is ideal because it dissolves easily and gives a concentrated flavor without affecting the topping’s texture. If you prefer, you can use finely ground espresso powder for an even richer taste.
Can I make these buns gluten-free?
While traditional all-purpose flour gives the best texture, gluten-free flours could work with some experimentation and adjustments. Consider using a blend designed for bread baking and adding xanthan gum to help with elasticity.
How can I get the topping to be extra crispy?
Ensure the topping is evenly spread and not too thick, and bake at the recommended temperature without opening the oven door during baking. This helps the topping form that signature crackly crust.
Is it okay to substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, especially in the coffee topping, but margarine can be a substitute. Oil generally won’t give you the same crisp topping or tender crumb, so use it cautiously.
Final Thoughts
Making the Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe is a truly rewarding experience that fills your home with inviting aromas and your heart with satisfaction. Whether you’re sharing these buns with loved ones or enjoying a peaceful moment to yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up some unforgettable coffee-flavored happiness.
Print
Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Description
Papparoti Coffee Buns are soft, fluffy buns topped with a crispy, buttery coffee-flavored crust. This popular Malaysian-inspired treat combines a tender yeast dough with a rich coffee topping, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee aroma. Ideal for breakfast or tea time, these buns are baked to golden perfection with a delightful crunchy topping that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Coffee Topping: While the dough rises, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, dissolved instant coffee, flour, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Second Rise: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dough balls rise on the tray for 20 to 30 minutes or until puffed up.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each risen bun with the egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and milk) to help achieve a golden brown finish when baked.
- Top with Coffee Topping: Spoon or pipe the prepared coffee topping onto each bun, forming a swirl pattern that covers the surface.
- Bake the Buns: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the buns are golden brown on top and the coffee topping forms a crisp, crunchy layer.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Notes
- You can substitute instant coffee with espresso powder if preferred for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) when mixing to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading well is key to developing the right dough texture for soft, fluffy buns.
- For easier application, use a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with the corner cut to pipe the coffee topping on the buns.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving to maintain freshness.
