Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
Papparoti Coffee Buns are a delightful Malaysian treat that combine fluffy, rich bread with an irresistibly crisp, aromatic coffee crust. Each bite offers a swirl of buttery warmth and a gentle hit of coffee, making these buns a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave something cozy and sweet. The magic is in the contrast: tender, pillowy dough hiding a silky butter filling, all wrapped in a golden, crackly coffee topping. Get ready to fall in love at first bite—these Papparoti Coffee Buns are about to become your new go-to indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the gourmet results fool you—these Papparoti Coffee Buns rely on pantry favorites you already love! Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from the milky dough to the bold coffee swirl on top. Here’s why each one is essential.
- All-purpose flour: This creates a soft yet sturdy structure for the buns, perfect for holding all that delicious filling and topping.
- Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and ensures a lovely golden color during baking.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Instant yeast: Gives the dough its irresistible, bakery-style lift and springiness.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb while helping activate the yeast.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together, making it soft and full-bodied.
- Unsalted butter (for dough): Provides melt-in-your-mouth softness and extra flavor—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter (for filling): Chilled cubes surprise you with a meltingly rich center in every bun.
- Unsalted butter (for topping): Creamed with sugar to create the signature coffee swirl crust—dreamy!
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the topping, making it super smooth and crisp when baked.
- Egg (for topping): Helps the coffee layer pipe beautifully and set into a golden crown.
- Instant coffee + hot water: Packs the topping with bold, fragrant coffee flavor you’ll smell the moment these hit the oven.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): Thickens the mixture just right for that perfect spiral.
How to Make Papparoti Coffee Buns
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm milk and crack in the egg, stirring to bring everything together. Knead until a rough dough forms, then add the softened butter. Continue kneading (about 10 minutes by hand, or 5 if using a stand mixer) until your dough is exceptionally smooth and elastic. The butter works its way in and transforms the dough into something glorious! Cover the bowl and let it sit somewhere warm until doubled in size—usually around an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once the dough has puffed up, gently punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Take each piece, flatten it with your fingers, and place a cube of cold butter in the center. Carefully tuck the dough around the butter and roll it into a perfect little ball, pinching the seams closed. Set each ball, seam side down, onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Let them rest for 15 minutes—just enough for the dough to relax and get ready for their luxurious topping.
Step 3: Make the Coffee Topping
While the buns rest, whip up that addictive coffee crust. Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, then mix in the beaten egg and your freshly dissolved instant coffee for that signature aroma. Gently fold in the flour to create a smooth, pipeable paste. Scoop the topping into a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag snipped at the end) and pop it into the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Step 4: Assemble and Top the Buns
After their brief rest, your buns are ready for their finishing touch. Using your piping bag, start at the center of each bun and pipe a spiraling swirl of coffee topping outward, covering the top third or so of the dough. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the topping spreads and crackles in the oven for that authentic Papparoti Coffee Buns look!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for buns that are golden all over, with coffee crowns that have turned beautifully crisp and crackly. Serve your Papparoti Coffee Buns warm, straight from the oven, when the buttery centers are perfectly soft and the coffee topping is at its aromatic best.
How to Serve Papparoti Coffee Buns
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts takes these already-lovely Papparoti Coffee Buns up a notch. A few curls of shaved chocolate or a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the top make for a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair Papparoti Coffee Buns with a frothy cappuccino, iced latte, or hot tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns them into a decadent dessert. If serving for breakfast, a platter of fresh fruit makes a cheerful companion!
Creative Ways to Present
Try making mini Papparoti Coffee Buns for parties, or slice large buns in half and use them as the ultimate base for a sweet brunch sandwich with cream cheese and berries. Stack a few buns artfully on a cake stand for a wow-worthy centerpiece at any brunch or coffee gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Papparoti Coffee Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The topping may soften slightly, but a quick reheat perks it right back up!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled buns tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or pop them straight into the oven from the freezer for a few extra minutes—you’ll still get that lovely texture!
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, microwave individual buns for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. The buttery center and crisp coffee topping will taste just as irresistible as day one.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Just activate the active dry yeast in the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and let it bubble for about 5 minutes before adding to the dough mixture. Your Papparoti Coffee Buns will rise just as beautifully.
Why is my coffee topping spreading too much?
If the topping is spreading too far, it might be a bit too warm or runny. Try chilling it a little longer in the fridge and pipe it onto buns that aren’t overly warm. This helps achieve that signature crackly spiral on top.
How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
The buns should be lightly browned all over, and the coffee topping will sound crisp to the touch. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should read around 190°F for fully cooked bread.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can! After kneading, let the dough rise in the fridge overnight. The slow rise actually develops even more flavor. Bring to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.
Can I add other flavors to the coffee topping?
Definitely! A touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a lovely twist. Feel free to experiment with cocoa powder or even a hazelnut coffee for a different experience with your Papparoti Coffee Buns.
Final Thoughts
These Papparoti Coffee Buns bring a bakery treat right to your kitchen, filling your home with the most incredible aromas and a taste that just melts away any worries. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear! Share a warm batch with friends or family, and let these buns spark new memories around your table.
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Papparoti Coffee Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of coffee and sweet bread with these Papparoti Coffee Buns. These Malaysian treats feature a soft, buttery bun filled with a surprise buttery center and topped with a rich coffee glaze.
Ingredients
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: Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm milk and egg, knead until a soft dough forms. Add softened butter, knead until smooth, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape the buns: Divide dough, place butter cubes, shape into balls, and let rest.
- Make the topping: Cream butter and sugar, add egg, coffee, and flour to make a paste.
- Top the buns: Pipe coffee topping spirals over each bun.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can use vanilla or cinnamon in the topping for a flavor variation.
- Best served fresh; reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if needed.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rise time)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
