Chinese Cocktail Buns
Description
Chinese coconut-filled cocktail buns are a popular treat from the Chinese bakery. Make your own with this recipe for your next fancy Chinese meal.
Ingredients
•
1 cup milk
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1/3 cup white sugar
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1/4 cup softened butter
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon active dry yeast
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1 egg, beaten
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1/2 cup white sugar
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1 cup finely grated fresh coconut
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1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
1
Place milk and ⅓ cup sugar in a small saucepan; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add ¼ cup butter; gently heat mixture until butter melts and mixture is warm but not hot — no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C).
2
Whisk 2 ½ cups flour and yeast together until well combined; stir in milk mixture. Beat 1 egg in a small bowl; stir into flour mixture until forms a sticky, wet dough. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface; knead for about 10 minutes, gradually kneading in 1 cup more flour, or as needed, to make a smooth, elastic dough.
3
Form dough into a round ball, place into an oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4
Beat ½ cup sugar and remaining ¼ cup butter in a bowl until light and fluffy; stir in coconut, milk powder, and remaining ½ cup flour until smooth and combined. Set filling aside. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5
Punch down dough on a floured surface; cut into 2 equal pieces. Cut each piece into 8 equal-sized pieces (16 pieces total). Form each piece into an oblong shape; flatten with a floured rolling pin. Spoon about 1 tablespoon filling in center of 1 flattened dough piece. Pull and pinch edges of dough together to enclose filling; place buns seam-side down onto a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining filling and flattened dough pieces. Cover buns with a cloth; let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
7
Beat remaining 1 egg in a bowl; brush on each bun for a glossy coating. Sprinkle each bun with sesame seeds.
8
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool before serving.