Chinese Cocktail Buns

Method7 steps · about 2 hr 45 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Place 1/3 cup sugar and milk in a small saucepan, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add 1/4 cup softened butter, and gently warm the mixture until the butter melts and the mixture is warm but not hot (no warmer than about 100 degrees F (40 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the yeast with 2 1/2 cups flour until well blended, and pour the milk mixture into the flour-yeast mixture. Stir in 1 beaten egg, and mix until the mixture forms a sticky, wet dough.

   Uses ⅓ cup white sugar · 1 cup milk · ¼ cup softened butter · 1 tablespoon active dry yeast · 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour · 1 egg, beaten

2. 2

   Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead for about 10 minutes, gradually kneading in 1 cup of additional flour or as needed to make a smooth, elastic dough. Form the dough into a round ball, place into an oiled bowl, and turn the dough around in the bowl a few times to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a cloth, and allow dough to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

   Dough rise · 60 minUses Sticky enriched dough · 1 cup all-purpose flour, or more if needed · Cooking oil as needed to coat the dough bowl · Additional all-purpose flour as needed for dusting work surface and rolling pin

3. 3

   Step 3: Cream 1/4 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, and stir in dry milk powder, 1/2 cup flour, and the coconut (1 cup) until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set the filling aside.

   Uses ¼ cup softened butter · ½ cup white sugar · ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder · ½ cup all-purpose flour · 1 cup finely grated fresh coconut

4. 4

   Step 4: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured surface, punch down the risen dough and divide into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece with a floured rolling pin, add about 1 tablespoon coconut filling in the center and pinch the edges to enclose it. Arrange the filled buns seam side down on the lined sheets. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

   Buns rise · 60 minUses Risen enriched dough · About 1 tablespoon filling per bun; divide among 16 buns · Additional all-purpose flour as needed for dusting work surface and rolling pin

5. 5

   Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. 6

   Step 6: For a glossy coating, beat 1 egg in a bowl, and brush each bun with a little beaten egg. Sprinkle each bun with a few sesame seeds (1 tablespoon).

   Uses Risen filled coconut buns · 1 egg (optional) · 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

7. 7

   Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven until the buns are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

   Bake buns · 15 minUses Coconut buns with optional egg wash and sesame garnish