If you’ve been searching for a delightfully soft, buttery treat to elevate your breakfast or snack time, you’ll absolutely love this Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe. These buns combine the pillowy texture of freshly baked bread with a sweet and slightly bitter coffee-flavored topping that crackles just right as it bakes. It’s such a fantastic fusion of flavors and textures that will have you craving more with every bite, and the best part is how approachable this recipe is for all home bakers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tender dough to the rich coffee topping that sets these buns apart. Getting these basics right means your buns will be irresistibly soft, buttery, and bursting with flavor.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This is what makes the dough rise, light, and fluffy.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dough slightly, feeding the yeast to help it rise.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups total): The foundation for your soft, tender rolls and the coffee topping.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and moisture to the dough and topping.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup softened for dough, plus 1/4 cup softened for topping): Gives the buns their signature rich, tender crumb and a decadent coffee topping.
- Cold unsalted butter (6 small cubes): Hidden inside each bun for a buttery surprise when bitten into.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens and lightens the coffee topping.
- Instant coffee (1 tablespoon dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water): Infuses the topping with that iconic, slightly bitter coffee aroma and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant note to balance the coffee’s robustness.
How to Make Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough
Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This foaming is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the flour and salt to distribute the seasoning evenly. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, then add the egg and softened butter. Knead the dough either by hand or with a dough hook for about 8 to 10 minutes until it transforms into a smooth and elastic ball. Cover the dough and set it in a warm spot to rise for an hour, allowing it to double in size.
Step 2: Prepare the luscious coffee topping
While your dough gets cozy and rises, whip up the signature coffee topping. Beat the softened butter together with powdered sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in the egg. Add the dissolved instant coffee and vanilla extract, stirring well. Finally, fold in the flour until it forms a thick batter. Transfer this coffee topping mixture into a piping bag and pop it in the fridge to chill. Chilling helps it hold its shape for perfect piping later on.
Step 3: Shape the buns with buttery centers
Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and divide it into six equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk and nestle a small cube of cold butter right in the middle. Wrap the dough firmly around the butter, sealing the edges so none of that buttery treasure escapes during baking. Place each bun seam side down on a lined baking sheet and let them rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes until puffy and tender.
Step 4: Pipe the coffee topping and bake to golden perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using your chilled piping bag, spiral the coffee topping over each bun from the center outward. This topping bakes to a beautiful crackly, coffee-scented crust that’s the hallmark of papparoti buns. Pop them in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. Pull them out and prepare to savor one of the best warm, buttery, coffee-flavored buns you’ll ever taste.
How to Serve Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe couldn’t be simpler or more satisfying. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a delicate sweetness and pretty finish. For an extra touch, serve with a small pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to complement the bun’s coffee notes.
Side Dishes
Pair these buns with a rich, creamy latte or classic black coffee to enhance their coffee flavor. They also make the perfect accompaniment to a fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast. Don’t forget that they shine just as much as an afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk or chai.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise guests by slicing the buns in half and turning them into buttery coffee-flavored sandwiches with a smear of Nutella, jam, or cream cheese. You can also serve them warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick and indulgent dessert twist. These buns invite creativity while being spectacular on their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh. When ready to eat, simply warm them slightly to bring back that luscious freshly baked feel.
Freezing
Want to prepare ahead? Freeze unbaked, filled dough balls in a single layer on a tray. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight, apply the coffee topping, then bake as usual for freshly baked buns anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the buns in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back the soft texture and melts the inside butter perfectly, just like the day they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be substituted with the same amount, but you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing it in warm milk. The bread will still rise nicely.
What if I don’t have instant coffee?
No worries! You can use strong brewed coffee or espresso, but reduce the liquid in the topping slightly to keep the right consistency. The coffee flavor will still be wonderful.
How do I make sure the butter inside doesn’t leak out during baking?
Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly around the butter cubes. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help prevent butter from oozing out.
Are these buns suitable for freezing after baking?
It’s best to freeze them before baking for optimal texture and taste. However, baked buns can also be frozen and then reheated, though the topping might lose some crispness.
Can I make these buns dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute milk with any plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Making the Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience that combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning at home or impressing friends with something unique and flavorful, these buns never disappoint. Give this recipe a try and watch how buttery sweetness and coffee aroma fill your kitchen – it’s a joy that keeps on giving.
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Easy Papparoti (Mexican Coffee Buns) Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 90 minutes rise time)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 buns
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Malaysian, Mexican Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Papparoti, also known as Mexican Coffee Buns, are soft, buttery breakfast or snack rolls topped with a crackly coffee-flavored crust. This recipe features a tender yeast dough filled with cold butter cubes and topped with a luscious coffee butter topping that creates a delightful contrast between soft interior and crispy coffee crust. Perfect for coffee lovers and those who crave a sweet, aromatic treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 6 small cubes (about 1/2 tablespoon each) cold unsalted butter
For the Coffee Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for use.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, then add the egg and softened butter. Mix and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or using a dough hook until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Coffee Topping: While the dough rises, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the dissolved instant coffee, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing to form a smooth topping batter. Transfer this coffee topping mixture to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Shape the Buns: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk and place a small cube of cold unsalted butter in the center. Wrap the dough around the butter and seal it tightly to form a smooth ball, ensuring the butter is fully enclosed.
- Second Rise: Place the dough balls seam side down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the buns.
- Apply Coffee Topping: Using the piping bag, pipe the coffee topping in a spiral pattern over each bun, starting from the center and moving outward to cover the surface evenly.
- Bake the Buns: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the coffee topping has formed a crackly crust.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These buns are best enjoyed warm for their soft texture and rich coffee aroma.
Notes
- Papparoti are best enjoyed fresh the same day for optimal texture and flavor.
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving to regain softness.
- You can freeze the unbaked, filled dough balls and add the coffee topping before baking for convenience.
- Ensure the butter filling stays cold to prevent it from melting too early during baking, which helps create a moist interior.
