If you have a soft spot for sweet, aromatic buns, then you are in for a real treat with the Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe. These iconic buns are cherished for their wonderfully soft interiors paired with a crispy, buttery coffee-flavored crust that simply melts in your mouth. This recipe captures the magic perfectly, delivering a delightful combination of fluffy dough and a rich, coffee-infused topping that makes every bite irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re an avid baker or trying this for the first time, these coffee buns are guaranteed to win hearts and elevate your baking game.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor, texture, and appearance of the buns. From the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the instant coffee that infuses the topping with its characteristic aroma, every component is essential for that perfect balance.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the coffee flavor.
- Instant yeast (1 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise and achieve that soft and airy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup): Activates the yeast and gives moisture to the dough for softness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup for dough + 1/4 cup for topping): Renders the crumb tender and the topping delectably rich and crisp.
- Large egg (1 for dough + 1 for egg wash): Provides binding and contributes to the golden color after baking.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon for dough + 1 teaspoon for topping): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the coffee topping smoothly without graininess.
- Instant coffee (2 tablespoons dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water): The star ingredient creating that signature coffee aroma and taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon for topping): Binds the coffee topping for its crispy texture.
- Milk (1 tablespoon for egg wash): Helps the egg wash give the buns a shiny, golden finish.
How to Make Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, yeast, and salt – in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir to form a soft dough. This initial step sets the stage for those fluffy, tender buns, so mixing until just combined is key.
Step 2: Knead for Perfect Texture
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten network that will trap air, making the buns wonderfully soft. If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed, but be careful not to make it too dry.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. This is a cozy little rest period where the dough doubles in size, usually in 1 to 1.5 hours. This rise is crucial for the airy inside of your Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Coffee Topping
While the dough rises, whip up the luscious coffee topping by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, dissolved instant coffee, flour, and vanilla extract. The result is a creamy, fragrant topping that will bake into that iconic golden crust.
Step 5: Shape the Buns
After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release excess air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces, rolling each into a smooth ball. Placing these on a parchment-lined tray prepares them for the final proof before baking.
Step 6: Final Proofing
Allow the shaped buns to rise again at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until puffed. This second rise helps ensure an incredibly soft interior and lets the buns develop their characteristic lightness.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush each bun with a mixture of beaten egg and milk. This step will give your buns a beautiful, shiny golden-brown finish after baking, making them look as good as they taste.
Step 8: Add the Coffee Topping
Generously spoon or pipe the prepared coffee topping over each dough ball, swirling to cover the tops. This topping will bake to form that distinctive crisp, coffee-infused crust that defines this recipe.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the buns in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the buns are fully cooked through. The aroma will be intoxicating!
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Papparoti Coffee Buns cool slightly before serving. They are heavenly enjoyed warm, perhaps with a fresh cup of coffee or tea to complement their rich flavor.
How to Serve Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust the cooled buns lightly with powdered sugar or add a thin drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent touch. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pistachios can also add a lovely crunch and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
These coffee buns make an excellent pairing with hot beverages like creamy lattes, classic black coffee, or even a fragrant chai. If you want to serve a more substantial snack, consider fresh fruit, yogurt, or a mild cheese plate to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the buns family-style on a rustic wooden board or in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for an inviting presentation. For a café-inspired vibe, place them on small plates with a side ramekin of whipped butter or honey for spreading.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Papparoti Coffee Buns, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the buns soft while preserving the crunch of the topping as long as possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled buns individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or gently warmed in the oven.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat the buns in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the crispy coffee topping and restores the buns’ soft interior, making them taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Instant coffee works best in the topping because it dissolves fully and imparts a strong, concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture. Brewed coffee may make the topping too wet and affect its texture.
Can I make the dough without eggs?
Eggs add richness and help with the texture and color, but you can substitute with an egg replacer or omit it. Keep in mind the dough might be less tender and golden, but still tasty.
How do I prevent the coffee topping from cracking too much?
Applying the topping evenly in a thick, smooth layer and not letting it dry out too much before baking helps prevent excessive cracking. Also, avoid over-baking the buns to keep the crust balanced.
Are these buns suitable for beginner bakers?
Absolutely! This Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe uses straightforward techniques, and with a bit of patience during the rising stages, even beginners can achieve fantastic results.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, especially in the coffee topping. Margarine can work but might slightly alter taste and crispness, while oil isn’t recommended here as it won’t produce the same fluffy dough or crunchy topping.
Final Thoughts
Making Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—you get to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh coffee and baked bread while treating yourself and your loved ones to a truly special snack. This recipe is an invitation to slow down, savor every bite, and celebrate the simple joys of baking. Give it a try and watch how these delightful buns become an instant favorite in your household!
Print
Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Description
Papparoti Coffee Buns are soft, fluffy buns topped with a signature buttery coffee-flavored crust that crisps up beautifully when baked. This delightful Malaysian-inspired pastry combines a tender dough with a rich and aromatic coffee topping, creating a perfect snack or breakfast treat to enjoy alongside your favorite hot beverage.
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
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 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 until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a bit of flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it ferment for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Coffee Topping: While the dough rises, beat softened butter, powdered sugar, dissolved coffee, flour, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Shape the Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Second Rise: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the shaped dough balls rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each bun gently with the mixture of beaten egg and milk to achieve a golden finish when baked.
- Add Coffee Topping: Spoon or pipe the prepared coffee topping onto each bun, swirling it to form a decorative pattern over the top.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the coffee topping forms a crisp, crunchy layer.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, ideally with a cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading properly is key for soft, elastic buns.
- The coffee topping can be spread with a spatula or piped for a neater look.
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container and reheat before serving for best texture.
- You can substitute instant coffee with espresso powder for a more intense flavor.
