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Chinese Coconut Buns

Buttery Chinese Coconut Buns for a Cozy Afternoon Treat

Buttery Chinese Coconut Buns are a delightful fusion of soft dough and a rich coconut filling, perfect for a cozy treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • ½ cup warm milk Almond or soy milk can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast Fresh yeast can be used at double the quantity.
  • 3 cups bread flour All-purpose flour may be substituted with adjusted liquid levels.
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg Beaten.
For the Filling
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut Use dry desiccated coconut for best results.
  • ¼ cup butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup dry milk powder No direct substitution.
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • a pinch salt
For the Topping
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
  • 1 large egg (for wash)
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)
  • to taste toasted sesame seeds Optional for garnish.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Piping Bag
  • Measuring cups
  • Kitchen towel

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk with a pinch of sugar and sprinkle in active dry yeast. Let it sit until bubbly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, and salt, creating a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until combined, then knead for 15-20 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Dough Rising
  1. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, coating it in oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, mix shredded coconut, melted butter, dry milk powder, sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.
Shaping Buns
  1. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, flatten into discs, and place coconut filling in the center. Seal each bun.
Second Rise
  1. Cover shaped buns and let them rise for an additional 30-40 minutes in a warm area. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Topping and Egg Wash Preparation
  1. Combine melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and confectioner's sugar until smooth. Whisk together egg and heavy cream or milk for the egg wash.
Baking
  1. Brush the buns with egg wash, pipe topping over them, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These Chinese Coconut Buns are freezer-friendly; reheat them in the oven for a perfect texture.

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