Description
Papparoti Coffee Buns are soft, fluffy Malaysian-style buns topped with a rich, buttery coffee-flavored crust. These delightful breakfast or dessert treats feature a pillowy dough with a hidden cube of cold butter inside, giving each bite a creamy surprise, complemented perfectly by a sweet and aromatic coffee topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Coffee Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm milk and the egg, then knead the mixture until a soft dough forms. Incorporate the softened butter and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough with Butter Filling: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece and place a cube of cold butter in the center. Carefully seal the dough around the butter and shape it into a smooth ball.
- Rest the Dough Balls: Arrange the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to rest for 15 minutes to relax and slightly rise.
- Prepare the Coffee Topping: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and dissolved instant coffee mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a smooth, spreadable paste forms. Transfer this topping to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Apply the Coffee Topping: Once the dough balls have rested, pipe a spiral pattern of the coffee topping onto the surface of each bun, starting from the center and working outward.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 15–18 minutes, or until the coffee topping turns golden brown and the buns are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the papparoti coffee buns warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can add a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to the coffee topping for an aromatic twist.
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.
