Hong Kong–Style Coconut Cocktail Buns

Name: Hong Kong–Style Coconut Cocktail Buns
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 32 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast; 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 0.25 cup Butter; 1 cup Coconut; 2 whole Eggs; 1 cup Milk; 0.5 cup Powdered Milk; 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds; 0.33 cup Sugar

Breakfast 🍳Dessert 🍰Snack 🍿 Chinese 🇨🇳 Low-Carb Low-Sodium Vegetarian 🥦Halal 🕌Kosher ✡️Comfort-Food Pescatarian 🐟

Hong Kong–Style Coconut Cocktail Buns are pillowy, lightly sweet rolls with a tender crumb and a rich coconut-milk powder filling that melts into each bite. A shiny egg wash and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add gentle crunch and aroma, making them a lovely treat for afternoon tea or a festive brunch spread.

Prep45 mins
Cook15 mins
Serves32
DifficultyMedium

1

Combine the milk and 1/3 cup sugar in a small saucepan; stir until the sugar dissolves. Add 1/4 cup butter; gently warm the mixture until the butter melts and the mixture is warm but not hot — no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C).
2

Whisk 2 1/2 cups flour and the yeast together until evenly mixed; stir in the milk mixture. Beat 1 egg in a small bowl; stir it into the flour mixture until a sticky, wet dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface; knead for about 10 minutes, gradually working in 1 cup more flour, or as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3

Shape the dough into a round ball, place it in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4

Beat 1/2 cup sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup butter in a bowl until light and fluffy; stir in the coconut, milk powder, and the remaining 1/2 cup flour until smooth and combined. Set the filling aside. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5

Punch down the dough on a floured surface; cut it into 2 equal portions. Cut each portion into 8 equal pieces (16 pieces total). Shape each piece into an oblong; flatten with a floured rolling pin. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of 1 flattened piece. Pull the edges together and pinch to seal the filling inside; place the bun seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining filling and dough pieces. Cover the buns with a cloth; let them rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
7

Beat the remaining 1 egg in a bowl; brush it over each bun for a glossy finish. Sprinkle each bun with sesame seeds.
8

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool before serving.