Coconut Buns (椰丝包)
椰丝包, or Coconut Buns, are a popular and delicious treat found in Chinese bakeries. They consist of soft, sweet bread filled with a sweet coconut filling, making them a perfect snack or dessert. Here's a basic recipe to make Coconut Buns at home.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 250 ml milk warmed
- 10 g active dry yeast
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg beaten
- 50 g unsalted butter softened
- A pinch of salt
For the Coconut Filling:
- 200 g desiccated coconut
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg beaten (for the filling)
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 50 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the Coconut Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the desiccated coconut, sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Assemble the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a disc.
- Place a spoonful of the coconut filling in the center of each disc.
- Gather the edges of the dough to enclose the filling and pinch to seal.
- Place the buns seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
Bake the Buns:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
Serve:
- Allow the Coconut Buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
