Coffee Bun (Papparoti/RotiBoy) Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked coffee buns filling your kitchen. The first time I had a Papparoti bun, I was completely hooked—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, with a rich coffee aroma that made each bite absolutely irresistible. This recipe brings those café-style treats right to your home, so you can enjoy them fresh whenever you crave that perfect combination of sweet and aromatic flavors.
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | For combining ingredients | Kitchen stores, online |
| Stand mixer | For kneading dough easily | Appliance stores, online |
| Rolling pin | Shaping the dough | Kitchen supply stores |
| Baking tray | Holding buns for baking | Supermarkets, online |
| Piping bag | Applying coffee topping | Baking supply stores |
| Oven | Baking the buns to perfection | Home appliance stores |
Prep Time
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising time)
Ingredients
Dough:
- 110ml Milk
- 25g Sugar
- 4g Instant dry yeast
- 1/2 Egg
- 200g Bread flour
- 3g Salt
- 30g Unsalted butter
- 3g Salted butter
Topping:
- 3g Instant coffee
- 5ml Hot water
- 1/2 Egg
- 35g Powdered sugar
- 40g All-purpose flour
- 40g Unsalted butter
Instructions
Making the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, warm the milk slightly (lukewarm, not hot) and dissolve the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the egg, bread flour, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add the unsalted butter and knead for another 10 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Lightly knead the dough again for 1 minute and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and place a small piece (3g) of salted butter inside each portion.
- Shape into round buns and let them rise for another 35 minutes.
Making the Coffee Topping:
- Dissolve instant coffee in hot water and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour and mix until well combined.
- Add the melted unsalted butter and the dissolved coffee. Stir to form a smooth paste.
- Transfer the mixture into a piping bag.
Assembling & Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Pipe the coffee topping in a spiral pattern over the risen buns.
- Bake for 18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool slightly before enjoying!
Food Storage
- Store coffee buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes before serving.
- Freeze unbaked dough for up to a month. Thaw and proof before baking.
Pro Tips
- For an extra coffee kick, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the topping.
- If you prefer a sweeter bun, brush the inside with honey before adding the butter filling.
- Experiment with flavors by adding vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough.
- Serve with a cup of hot coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
FAQs
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes! Dissolving instant coffee in hot water works perfectly for the topping.
2. Why is my dough too sticky?
Bread flour absorbs moisture differently. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time) while kneading.
3. Can I make these buns without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Hand kneading works well; just be patient and knead thoroughly for at least 10-15 minutes.
4. What can I use instead of butter inside the buns?
You can substitute butter with cream cheese, chocolate, or even custard for a different flavor.
5. How do I get the topping to stay crisp?
Let the buns cool slightly before serving, as the crispness forms when the topping sets.
Final Thoughts
Making these honey coffee buns at home is a rewarding experience, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning treat or impressing guests, these buns will become a new favorite. Happy baking!
