There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen.
Coffee buns are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee with a fluffy, soft texture.
Whether you’re looking for a quick solution for a busy day or a dish to impress your loved ones, these buns are perfect.
They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Imagine biting into a warm bun, the sweet coffee filling melting in your mouth.
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Buns
These coffee buns are a game-changer for any home cook.
They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
The taste? Absolutely divine!
With a rich coffee filling and a sweet glaze, each bite is a little piece of heaven.
Plus, they’re versatile enough to impress guests or satisfy your late-night cravings.
Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients for Coffee Buns
To create these delightful coffee buns, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to form a delicious treat.
Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your buns, providing structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and filling, balancing the coffee’s bitterness.
Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s structure.
Instant yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your buns rise and become fluffy.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture, creating a tender texture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor; melted for the dough and softened for the filling.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the buns’ golden color.
Vanilla extract: A hint of sweetness that complements the coffee flavor beautifully.
Cocoa powder: For the filling, it adds depth and a touch of chocolatey goodness.
Brewed coffee: The star of the show! It infuses the filling with a rich coffee flavor.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
Powdered sugar: Used for the sweet glaze that tops the buns, adding a delightful finish.
Feel free to get creative! You can add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the filling for an extra kick.
If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing.
How to Make Coffee Buns
Making coffee buns is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with warmth and the irresistible scent of coffee.
Let’s dive into the steps to create these fluffy treats!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Once combined, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix.
Stir until a dough forms, then knead it for about five minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives your buns that perfect texture.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Now comes the magic moment—let the dough rise!
Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
Find a warm spot in your kitchen, like near the oven or on a sunny windowsill.
Let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
This process allows the yeast to work its wonders, creating those fluffy coffee buns we all love.
Step 3: Make the Coffee Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the coffee filling.
In a bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, cooled brewed coffee, cinnamon, and softened butter.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
This filling is where the rich coffee flavor shines through, making each bite a delightful experience.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the coffee filling evenly over the dough.
Now, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
This is where the magic happens—each piece will become a fluffy bun filled with that delicious coffee goodness.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the dough pieces in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them.
Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
This second rise is essential for achieving that light and airy texture.
Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Once the buns have risen, pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden hue!
Step 7: Add the Topping
While the buns are baking, prepare the sweet coffee topping.
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the buns are out of the oven, drizzle this delightful glaze over them while they’re still warm.
This final touch adds a sweet finish that makes these coffee buns truly irresistible.
Tips for Success
Always use warm milk, around 110°F, to activate the yeast effectively.
Don’t rush the rising process; it’s key for fluffy buns.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the filling.
Keep your workspace floured to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
Experiment with fillings like chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing dough and a smaller one for the filling.
Whisk: For blending wet ingredients; a fork works too!
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough; a wine bottle can substitute in a pinch.
Baking dish: A greased 9×13 inch dish is perfect; any oven-safe dish will do.
Kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises; a clean cloth works just as well.
Variations of Coffee Buns
Chocolate Chip Coffee Buns: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the coffee filling for a sweet twist.
Nuts and Coffee Buns: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Spiced Coffee Buns: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the filling for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these buns suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Vegan Coffee Buns: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions for Coffee Buns
Pair with Coffee: Serve these buns alongside a fresh cup of coffee for the ultimate experience.
Breakfast Delight: Enjoy them as a sweet addition to your breakfast spread with fruits.
Presentation: Dust with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
FAQs about Coffee Buns
Can I use decaf coffee for the filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor or want to avoid caffeine, decaf coffee works perfectly in the filling. The taste will still be rich and delicious.
How do I store leftover coffee buns?
To keep your coffee buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What can I serve with coffee buns?
These coffee buns pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like almond extract or even a splash of liqueur for an adult twist. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Baking coffee buns is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and joy.
Each step, from mixing the dough to drizzling the sweet glaze, brings a sense of accomplishment.
The moment you pull those golden-brown buns from the oven, the aroma alone is enough to make your heart sing.
Sharing these delightful treats with family or friends creates lasting memories.
So, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these coffee buns are sure to bring smiles all around.
Delicious and fluffy coffee buns filled with a rich coffee filling and topped with a sweet coffee glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for filling)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled (for filling)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for filling)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping)
1 tablespoon brewed coffee (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the coffee filling by mixing the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, cooled brewed coffee, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until smooth.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the coffee filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
Place the dough pieces in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
While the buns are baking, prepare the topping by whisking together the powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the buns are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the coffee topping over the warm buns. Serve warm.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the filling.
Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for extra texture and taste.
