Papparoti Coffee Buns

Have you ever had a bun that’s so delicious, you just can’t stop at one? Well, prepare to meet your new obsession—Papparoti Coffee Buns! These little beauties come from Malaysia and have taken the world by storm with their soft, pillowy interiors and decadent coffee-flavored crust that’s just the right amount of crunchy and sweet. If you love the combination of fresh, fluffy bread with a rich, coffee glaze, you’re in for a treat.

What makes these buns so irresistible is the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the dough and the addictive coffee topping that gives each bite an extra jolt of flavor. These buns are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. Trust me—once you make these, they’ll be a staple in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love Papparoti Coffee Buns

Sweet and Savory Coffee Kick:

The coffee glaze is rich and aromatic without being overpowering. It complements the soft, sweet dough, creating a perfect balance of flavors in each bite.

Soft, Fluffy, and Buttery:

The dough is light as air and perfectly soft—think of the fluffiest, melt-in-your-mouth bread you’ve ever had.

Golden, Crispy Coffee Crust:

The glaze is the star of the show here—it crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the bun. It’s the perfect texture contrast.

Customizable:

You can make the coffee topping as sweet (or strong) as you want! Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter coffee flavor or adjust the coffee to your liking for that extra jolt.

Perfect for Sharing:

These buns are perfect for gatherings, brunches, or just when you want to make your kitchen smell like a café. They’re easy to eat and share—everyone will want a bite!

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Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

For the Dough:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for this soft dough. You’ll get that perfect pillowy texture.
  • Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly, giving you fluffy, airy buns.
  • Sugar: Just the right amount to give a slight sweetness to the dough.
  • Milk: For moisture and a bit of richness.
  • Butter (melted): To make the dough soft and buttery. It’s essential for that tender crumb.
  • Eggs: To bind everything together and add richness.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness in the dough.

For the Coffee Glaze:

  • Butter: The glaze needs butter for that smooth, golden texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that complements the coffee perfectly.
  • Instant Coffee: The star of the glaze—use a strong coffee or espresso powder for that rich, deep flavor.
  • Flour: To help thicken the glaze and give it that slightly crunchy texture when baked.
  • Vanilla Extract: For a little extra warmth and aroma.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
  • Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
  • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Coffee Glaze:

  • While the dough is rising, prepare the coffee glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves.
  • Stir in the instant coffee and vanilla extract. Mix well until the coffee is fully dissolved.
  • Add flour and whisk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

3. Shape the Buns:

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10-12 equal portions.
  • Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a greased baking tray.
  • Use your finger or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball—this is where the coffee glaze will go.

4. Add the Coffee Glaze:

  • Spoon the cooled coffee glaze into the indentations of each bun. You want a generous amount of glaze, so don’t be shy! The glaze will form a crispy, golden crust as it bakes.

5. Final Rise:

  • Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up a bit more.

6. Bake:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the coffee glaze has crisped up nicely.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve warm! These buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the coffee glaze is still crisp and the buns are soft and fluffy.

How to Serve Papparoti Coffee Buns

Perfect for Breakfast:

Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate morning treat. The combination of the coffee glaze and the soft, buttery bread is simply irresistible.

A Delightful Snack:

These buns make the perfect snack anytime you need a little pick-me-up. The coffee flavor is just the right amount of bold without being overwhelming.

Dessert Anyone?

Want to impress your friends with something unique for dessert? Serve these buns after a dinner party—they’ll be the perfect sweet finish.

Perfect for Sharing:

Pack them up for a picnic or bring them to a gathering. The buns are easy to share and even easier to eat!

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

You can prep the dough the night before. After the first rise, shape the buns and place them in the fridge to rise overnight. The next morning, simply add the glaze and bake them fresh.

Switch Up the Glaze:

If you’re not a fan of coffee, you can experiment with other glazes like a simple sugar glaze or even a cinnamon sugar topping.

Get Creative with Fillings:

Feel free to add a chocolate chip or cream cheese filling in the center of each bun for an extra indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless!

Keep Them Soft:

For the softest buns, make sure to cover them right after baking to keep the steam trapped and maintain moisture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I freeze the buns?

A1: Yes! You can freeze the baked buns once they’ve cooled completely. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new.

Q2: Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee?

A2: You can, but instant coffee is what gives the glaze its distinct texture and flavor. If you use brewed coffee, you may need to reduce the liquid to achieve the same consistency.

Q3: Can I make the buns without the coffee glaze?

A3: Sure! You can make them with a simple sugar glaze, or even enjoy them plain. They’re still delicious without the topping, but it’s the glaze that really makes these buns stand out.

Q4: Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

A4: Absolutely! Just add the ingredients into the bread machine in the order specified by the manufacturer, and let it do the kneading and rising for you.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, cover them with a clean towel or plastic wrap.


Papparoti Coffee Buns are the kind of treat that feels indulgent but still light enough to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, hosting a brunch, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these buns are sure to hit the spot. Light, fluffy, and bursting with coffee flavor, they’re bound to become your new favorite bake!

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Papparoti Coffee Buns


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (includes rising time)
  • Yield: 8 buns 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Papparoti Coffee Buns are soft, fluffy buns with a sweet, crispy coffee topping. The buns are slightly sweet, rich, and buttery, and the coffee topping adds a crunchy texture and bold flavor. Perfect with a hot drink, these buns are a favorite at cafes around the world.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix to form a dough.
  2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. While the dough is rising, prepare the coffee topping: Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, dissolved coffee, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dough balls rise for 20-30 minutes, or until puffed up.
  7. Once the buns have risen, brush them with the egg wash (egg mixed with milk) to give them a golden color when baked.
  8. Spoon or pipe the coffee topping on top of each bun, forming a swirl pattern over the top of each dough ball.
  9. Bake the buns for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through. The coffee topping should form a crisp, crunchy layer on top of the soft buns.
  10. Let the buns cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, with a cup of coffee or tea!

Notes

  • For a richer coffee flavor, you can add more coffee to the topping, but be careful not to overpower the dough.
  • If you prefer a softer topping, you can reduce the amount of flour in the topping mixture.
  • These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their crispiness.
  • If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature and rise a second time before baking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Malaysian, Asian Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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