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
Scale
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.
