Description
Papparoti Coffee Buns are soft, buttery buns topped with a signature cracked coffee-flavored crust that adds a delightful crunch and aromatic coffee essence. These Asian-inspired dessert buns blend a tender dough with a rich coffee topping, making them perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling
- 6–8 small cubes of cold unsalted butter (about 1 teaspoon each)
For the Coffee Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm milk and egg, mixing until a rough dough forms. Incorporate the softened butter and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand, or 5–6 minutes using a stand mixer, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the risen dough into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece and place a cold cube of butter in the center. Pinch the dough around the butter and shape it into a smooth ball. Arrange the buns on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Make the Topping: While the buns rise, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and dissolved coffee, mixing well. Sift in the flour and stir until smooth. Transfer this coffee topping mixture to a piping bag.
- Pipe the Topping: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pipe the coffee topping over each bun in a spiral pattern starting from the center and working outward.
- Bake: Bake the buns for 15–18 minutes until they turn golden brown and the topping cracks to form the signature crust. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh on the same day of baking.
- To reheat, warm the buns in a low oven for a few minutes to re-crisp the coffee topping.
- Shaped dough balls can be frozen before adding the topping for future baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
