Coffee Buns

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 45

Cook Time: 20

Resting Time: 2 15

Total Time: 3 20

Author: Susan

Calories: 509kcal

Servings: buns

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Coffee buns are an amazing, slightly sweet bread with a the perfect hint of coffee flavor. They're perfect for breakfast or a snack!

Equipment

1 large mixing bowl
1 stand mixer with dough hook and paddle attachments
1 baking sheet
1 whisk
1 sifter or mesh strainer
plastic wrap
tea towel or similar covering
oil sprayer or Pam cooking spray
silicone mat or parchment paper

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour divided
½ cup sugar divided
1 package active dry yeast or 2¼ teaspoons
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cup whole milk
2 egg
1¼ cup unsalted butter softened, divided
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare the Rolls

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk to approximately 110℉. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature, being sure not to let it boil.
⅔ cup whole milk
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 ½ cups of the flour, ¼ cup sugar, yeast, salt, warm milk, ¼ butter, and one egg. Slowly stir to combine.
3 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 package active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, ⅔ cup whole milk, 2 egg, 1¼ cup unsalted butter
Insert the dough hook attachment to your stand mixer, and set to a medium or medium-high speed to knead the dough for about 10 minutes. When the dough is ready, it should pass the windowpane test. (See notes.)
Spray a large bowl with oil or Pam cooking spray, and put the dough into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and put it in a warm place. Allow the dough to rise for about 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, then turn it out onto a clean surface and divide into eight equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, the flatten with your hands or the bottom of a large glass. You can use a bit of flour if you have trouble with the dough sticking to your hands.
Cut the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter into 8 equal pieces, then place one on the top of the dough. Use your fingers to wrap the dough around the butter. (If needed, you can cut each piece of butter into smaller pieces!)
1¼ cup unsalted butter
Place the dough seam side down on top of a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Cover with buns a tea towel, and allow them to rise again for about 45 minutes.

Prepare the Coffee Topping

During this second rise time, you can prepare the coffee crust. Again in your stand mixer, this time with the regular paddle attachment, combine 5 tablespoons butter with ¼ white sugar until fluffy.
1¼ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup sugar
Combine the instant coffee powder with 2 teaspoons of water. Add to the bowl, along with the second egg, and combine.
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder, 2 egg
Turn off the mixer, then sift ½ flour and the cornstarch into the bowl. Turn the mixer back on at a low speed and stir until combined.
3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Top the Rolls and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350℉.
When the rolls have finished their second rise, spoon a generous amount of the coffee topping on the top, and spread around with the back of a spoon. (You can also pipe the topping in a spiral if you want to get fancy!)
Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. You'll know they're done if the coffee crust has turned a golden color and appears crispy rather than gooey!
Allow to cool slightly before eating. They are delicious served with (you guessed it) a cup of your favorite hot coffee!

Notes

When warming the milk, use a thermometer if you have one. It should be around 110°F. If it gets too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.

Let the butter and eggs sit out for a bit before starting. This helps everything blend more smoothly, especially for the topping.

Every oven is different, so check the buns a minute or two before the timer goes off. The topping should be golden and slightly crisp.

Make sure you’re using instant coffee powder, which dissolves easily and gives the topping its signature flavor without grittiness.

If you don't have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead the dough by hand. Kneading time will be about 15 minutes.

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