Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe

If you have a soft spot for baked goods that are buttery, fluffy, and come with a delicious coffee-flavored topping, you’re in for a real treat with this Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe. These buns are a heavenly blend of pillowy dough wrapped around rich, melting butter, all crowned with a crunchy, sweet coffee crust that makes every bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving a morning pick-me-up or a comforting afternoon snack, these coffee buns bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen with every bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Each one plays a crucial role, from the softness of the dough to the aromatic coffee topping.

• 2 1/4 tsp yeast: The magic agent that helps the dough rise beautifully, bringing that light, airy texture.
• 1/2 cup warm milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring your buns stay tender.
• 2 cups flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
• 4 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly and feeds the yeast for good fermentation.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 egg: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients for a soft crumb.
• 3 tbsp butter: Incorporated into the dough for tenderness and flavor.
• 5 tbsp butter (cut and frozen): The sumptuous center wrapped inside each bun for that gooey, buttery surprise.
• 1/3 cup icing sugar: Essential for the sweet coffee topping that crisps up delightfully.
• 4 tbsp butter (room temperature): Whipped into the topping for a creamy texture.
• 2 tsp coffee (dissolved in hot water): Infuses the topping with that signature Pappa Roti coffee aroma.
• 1 egg (for topping): Helps bind the coffee topping and create that shiny, bake-perfect crust.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Supports the coffee with a warm, sweet note.

How to Make Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix your yeast, warm milk, flour, sugar, salt, egg, and butter in your stand mixer bowl. Using a dough hook, start on low speed just to combine, then increase to speed 6 to knead for about 5 minutes. If your dough feels sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it stretches into a smooth, elastic ball that doesn’t break when pulled gently.

Step 2: Encase the Butter

Take a small piece of dough about the size of a golf ball and stretch it out very thinly around a piece of frozen butter. This step is crucial because the thin dough layer will bake perfectly around the butter, creating that wonderfully soft center without doughiness. Once wrapped, pop these butter-wrapped dough balls back into the freezer while you work on the rest.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the remaining dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and set it somewhere warm but draft-free for about an hour. This resting period allows the dough to double in size, developing flavor and the perfect airy texture that makes Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe so special.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into six equal portions. Flatten each into a circle, insert the frozen butter ball in the middle, and carefully seal the edges, making sure the bottom is well closed to avoid butter leakage. Place each bun on a lined baking tray and cover them to rise again for 45 minutes. This second rise is key for pillowy buns.

Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Topping

In a mixing bowl, beat the icing sugar and room temperature butter on low speed until combined, then increase the speed for a fluffy texture. Add the egg and whip it in, followed by the coffee dissolved in hot water and the vanilla extract. It’s perfectly fine if the mixture looks slightly curdled at this point. Lastly, fold in the flour just until mixed. Transfer this fragrant topping into an icing bag or a ziplock with the tip snipped.

Step 6: Apply Topping and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pipe the coffee topping generously over each bun in swirling motions, covering the entire surface for that characteristic crunchy crust. Bake for 17 minutes until the buns are golden brown and delightfully domed. When you take them out, you’re just a few moments away from a taste explosion.

How to Serve Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe

Garnishes

Simple is best here. A light dusting of extra icing sugar can add a delightful sweet touch, or for a lush finish, a dab of whipped cream or a spread of your favorite preserves tastes amazing alongside these buns. The coffee topping itself shines brightly, so garnishes should never overpower it.

Side Dishes

Pairing these buns with a hot cup of black coffee or a smooth latte turns breakfast or snack time into something special. Fresh fruit or a small salad can provide a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the buttery center and the sweetness of the coffee crust.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, arrange the buns on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of honey, cream cheese, and jam for guests to customize their experience. Wrapping the buns individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a charming presentation, especially if you’re gifting them or serving at a casual party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you don’t manage to finish your Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe in one sitting (though we’d be surprised!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the dough soft and the coffee topping crisp enough to enjoy later without losing its signature texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the buns either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap them well and thaw in the fridge overnight before proceeding with the coffee topping and baking. If freezing baked buns, make sure they are completely cooled, then seal tightly to retain freshness. Reheat straight from frozen for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm your buns in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method crisps up the coffee topping and softens the buttery center perfectly—microwaving can make the crust soggy, so the oven is definitely your friend here.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee for the topping?

Instant coffee works best because it dissolves easily and blends smoothly into the topping. Using brewed coffee may add too much liquid, altering the texture. If you want a strong coffee flavor, try concentrating brewed coffee by simmering it gently before adding.

Is it necessary to freeze the butter before wrapping it in dough?

Yes, freezing the butter helps it maintain its shape inside the dough during the first rise and baking. This creates those delightful buttery pockets without melting away or soaking too much into the dough prematurely.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It takes a bit more elbow work but kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic is what counts, regardless of method.

How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

A good test is to stretch a small piece of dough gently—the “windowpane test.” If it stretches thin without tearing, your dough is ready. This elasticity ensures your buns will puff up beautifully with a soft crumb.

Can I bake these buns at a different temperature or for a different amount of time?

The recommended 350°F for 17 minutes strikes the perfect balance between a golden, crunchy coffee topping and a fully cooked but tender bun. Adjusting temperature or time may affect texture, so it’s best to keep to the recipe for optimal results.

Final Thoughts

This Pappa Roti Coffee Buns Recipe has a wonderful way of turning an ordinary baking day into something truly special. Those buttery, coffee-scented delights are bound to become a soon-to-be favorite in your household, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly with your favorite cup of coffee. Don’t hesitate to dive in—the experience of biting into a fresh, warm Pappa Roti bun is absolutely worth the effort!

Print