There’s something truly captivating about the combination of rich coffee and freshly baked bread that transports me to my favorite café. The first time I tried Coffee Buns, or Kopi Roti, I was mesmerized by their fluffy texture and the decadent burst of buttery coffee goodness. Imagine pulling these golden-brown delights out of the oven, the warm aroma enveloping your kitchen—it’s the perfect remedy for any day!
When I’m craving a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet treat to impress guests, these buns come to the rescue. Not only are they stunningly delicious, but they also tackle the often overwhelming task of homemade baking with ease. With each bite, you’ll find layers of flavor, from the soft bread surrounding a surprise cube of butter to the swirling coffee buttercream on top. Best of all, you’ll be astonished that this indulgent recipe can be made in under two hours! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making these delightful Coffee Buns that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why are Coffee Buns so irresistible?
Coffee Buns are a delightful experience full of surprises! Fluffy texture: Each bite is a perfect combination of soft bread and a hidden buttery center. Irresistible aroma: The smell of freshly baked coffee-infused bread will fill your kitchen with comfort. Quick and easy: You can whip these up in just under two hours! Impressive presentation: Perfect for elevating any gathering or afternoon snack. Crowd-pleaser: Loved by both coffee enthusiasts and bakers alike! You’ll want to try these comforting buns as a way to bring a touch of café magic into your home baking.
Coffee Buns Ingredients
For the Dough
• Bread flour – 2 ½ cups; essential for a fluffy structure that makes Coffee Buns delightfully soft.
• Caster sugar – 3 tablespoons; fine sugar dissolves quickly, making your dough sweet and smooth.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon; enhances the flavor, creating a balanced taste in your buns.
• Instant yeast – 1 tablespoon; helps the dough rise beautifully for that airy texture.
• Lukewarm milk – 220 ml; activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb in the buns.
• Large egg – 1; brings richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Unsalted butter – 60 grams; creates a soft and rich texture that contributes to the magic of Coffee Buns.
For the Coffee Buttercream
• Instant coffee powder – 1 tablespoon; infuses your buns with that bold coffee flavor.
• Hot water – 1 tablespoon; dissolves the coffee powder to ensure a smooth buttercream mix.
• Unsalted butter – 60 grams; gives a creamy texture to the buttercream.
• Caster sugar – ¼ cup; for sweetness that balances the bitterness of the coffee.
• Large egg – 1; adds moisture and richness.
• Dutch-processed cocoa powder – 1 teaspoon; adds a hint of chocolatey depth to the buttercream.
• Cake flour – ⅔ cup; lightweight flour that ensures a delicate texture for the buttercream.
How to Make Coffee Buns
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bread flour, caster sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and mix gently, ensuring everything is evenly distributed for a well-risen bun.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in the lukewarm milk and add the beaten egg. Mix together for about a minute until a sticky dough forms, then fold in the softened butter until fully blended for a rich flavor.
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Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked—this guarantees fluffy buns!
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Let it Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it nearly doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Patience here means deliciousness later!
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Portion the Dough: Gently deflate the dough and transfer it onto a floured surface. Cut the dough into 8 equal parts, shaping each piece into a small disk.
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Stuff the Buns: Take one piece and place a cube of frozen butter in the center. Enclose it by pulling the dough seams together and shape into a ball, placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each bun.
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Second Rise: Cover the shaped buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until they almost double in size. This is crucial for a light texture!
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Prepare the Coffee Buttercream: In a small bowl, dissolve the coffee powder in hot water and set aside. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, cocoa powder, and dissolved coffee, mixing until smooth.
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Incorporate Cake Flour: Sift and fold in the cake flour until combined, creating a creamy coffee buttercream. Transfer it to a piping bag and snip off a small opening for easy application.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). This step is essential for achieving that perfect golden crust!
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Pipe on Buttercream: Once the buns have risen beautifully, pipe a layer of coffee buttercream on top of each bun in a whimsical coil pattern for a lovely finishing touch.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the buns for 15 minutes. After this time, turn off the oven and leave the buns inside for an additional 10 minutes. Once cooled, transfer them to a cooling rack.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Coffee Buns Variations
Personalizing your Coffee Buns makes them even more delightful and suited to your taste. Feel free to explore these exciting options!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for a deliciously creamy texture without the dairy.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds to the dough for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the coffee beautifully.
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for an extra sweet surprise, blending rich chocolate with the coffee’s bold essence.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top for a sweet, spiced kick that will elevate every bite.
- Fruit Surprise: Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the dough for a burst of sweetness and chewiness hidden within each bun.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper in the coffee buttercream for a surprising heat that balances the sweet and buttery flavors.
- Flavored Coffee: Experiment with flavored coffee powder, such as hazelnut or vanilla, to trigger an unexpected twist in the buttery coffee topping.
- Gluten-Free: Swap bread flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions, allowing everyone to enjoy this tasty treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Coffee Buns are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The shaped buns can be frozen for up to 3 days; simply freeze them before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow them to rise at room temperature before piping the coffee buttercream and baking. This way, you’ll enjoy warm and fluffy Coffee Buns that are just as delicious and fresh as if made that day, all with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Coffee Buns?
Imagine sipping your favorite drink alongside these dreamy coffee-infused treats, creating the perfect balance for any gathering.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm, creamy cup of hot chocolate enhances the chocolatey undertones in your buns, creating a delightful pairing. It’s like having a cozy café experience at home!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a vibrant contrast to the richness of the Coffee Buns, bringing brightness to your plate.
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Creamy Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of tangy yogurt—its natural acidity cuts through the sweetness and complements the buttery flavors beautifully.
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Chai Latte: The aromatic spices of a chai latte perfectly complement the coffee notes in the buns. This warm drink makes for a lovely afternoon treat.
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Iced Coffee: For coffee lovers, pairing these buns with a chilled iced coffee brings a refreshing twist and enhances that delightful caffeine kick.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over your Coffee Buns adds another layer of indulgence, making them even more irresistible.
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Coconut Macaroons: These tender, chewy delights introduce a tropical flair, creating a unique flavor contrast that elevates your coffee experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: As a delightful dessert option, a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to warm Coffee Buns creates a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.
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Hazelnut Spread Dip: A small bowl of hazelnut spread for dipping adds a nutty taste, enhancing the combo of flavors for a fun snack option.
How to Store and Freeze Coffee Buns
Room Temperature: Keep the Coffee Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness.
Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, store the buns in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration can slightly alter the texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Coffee Buns in a sealed plastic bag for up to 3 months. Make sure they’re fully cooled before wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 5-10 minutes for that freshly baked taste!
Expert Tips for Coffee Buns
• Perfect Dough: Ensure your milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. This helps your Coffee Buns rise wonderfully.
• Knead Well: Knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic. A well-kneaded dough will lead to soft, fluffy buns.
• Frozen Butter: Using frozen butter is key for that delicious buttery center. It keeps the butter from melting before baking, creating a lovely surprise inside.
• Second Rise: Don’t rush the second rise! It’s crucial for achieving that light and airy texture in your Coffee Buns.
• Piping Technique: When piping the coffee buttercream, start from the outer edge and work your way inwards for a neat coil effect.
Coffee Buns Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right coffee for the buttercream?
Absolutely! You want to use a strong instant coffee powder for the best flavor. Look for brands that have a rich, robust profile. I recommend trying a medium to dark roast to enhance the overall taste of your Coffee Buns.
How long will the Coffee Buns last at room temperature?
Very! When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Coffee Buns can stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain that delightful softness.
Can I freeze Coffee Buns? How do I do it?
Yes, you can! For the best results, ensure your Coffee Buns are fully cooled. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and reheat in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their fresh-baked warmth.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If you find that your dough isn’t rising as expected, here’s what you can do: first, check the freshness of your yeast—expired yeast won’t activate. Make sure your water or milk isn’t too hot, as temperatures above 43°C (110°F) can kill the yeast. For a better environment, try placing the bowl in a warm, draft-free area or even inside a turned-off oven with the light on to create a cozy rising atmosphere.
Are these Coffee Buns suitable for those with egg allergies?
It can be tricky! Unfortunately, this recipe contains eggs, which are crucial for the texture and flavor. However, you could try substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or applesauce (¼ cup) to maintain moisture and binding. Keep in mind that the flavor might slightly differ.
How can I ensure my Coffee Buns are fluffy?
The key is in the kneading and the rising times! Knead the dough thoroughly until it’s smooth and elastic, which generally takes about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to give it ample time to rise—both times—so the gluten develops properly and creates that airy, fluffy structure in your Coffee Buns.
Deliciously Soft Coffee Buns That Elevate Your Bake Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine bread flour, caster sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the instant yeast over and mix gently.
- Pour in lukewarm milk and add the beaten egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then fold in softened butter.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Gently deflate the dough, cut into 8 parts, and shape each into a small disk.
- Place a cube of frozen butter in the center of each disk and shape into a ball, placing on a baking sheet.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Dissolve coffee powder in hot water. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, cocoa, and coffee mix, stirring until smooth.
- Sift and fold in cake flour, transfer to a piping bag.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Pipe coffee buttercream on top of each bun in a coil pattern.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then turn off oven and leave inside for an additional 10 minutes.