Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of pure deliciousness with these irresistible Coconut Buns! Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy pastry filled with a luscious, sweet coconut filling that melts in your mouth. These traditional Chinese cocktail buns are not just a recipe—they're a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your baking skills and impress everyone who takes a bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, these coconut buns are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 400g all-purpose flour
- 200ml warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 200g shredded coconut
- 100g sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 400g of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tsp of instant yeast, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Gradually add 200ml of warm water to the dry mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the coconut filling. In a medium bowl, combine 200g of shredded coconut, 100g of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tbsp of melted butter. Mix well until the coconut is evenly coated with the condensed milk and butter.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Take one piece of dough and flatten it into a small circle, about 10cm in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the coconut filling in the center of the circle.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal it completely. Roll the filled dough gently into a ball and place it seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pieces of dough and filling, placing each bun on the tray with some space in between.
- Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while the buns are rising.
- Once the buns have risen, place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top.
- Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delicious Coconut Buns!
Tips
- Ensure your water is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast to prevent killing the yeast cultures.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives the buns their signature soft texture.
- Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm area to help it rise properly.
- When filling the buns, make sure to seal the edges completely to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Use fresh, high-quality shredded coconut for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don't overbake - golden brown is the perfect color for these buns.
- Let the buns cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 10mg