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.