If you’ve ever walked into a bakery and been hit with the irresistible smell of freshly baked, sweet coffee buns, then you already know how heavenly they are. These Easy Papparotti (Coffee Buns) are the answer to that craving, without the trip to the bakery. Soft, pillowy buns with a rich coffee glaze on top—yes, please! The best part? They’re easy to make, and you don’t need to be a pro to get them just right. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s a total game-changer for your dessert or snack rotation.

Why You’ll Love Easy Papparotti (Coffee Buns)

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a family weekend treat, hosting a coffee date, or just indulging in some cozy flavors for yourself, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, a special afternoon snack, or even as a treat for friends. Imagine serving these soft, coffee-scented buns at a brunch gathering—you’ll be the star of the show.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and straightforward, so you probably already have most of them at home. No need for fancy items, just pantry staples turned into a mouthwatering treat.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed to be as simple as possible without compromising on taste. You don’t need any special skills, just follow the steps, and you’ll end up with delicious, fluffy buns.
Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, these coffee buns are a surefire hit. The sweet, coffee glaze combined with the soft bun is a combo that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the magic behind these delicious coffee buns:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for our soft, tender buns. It gives them that perfect fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Instant Yeast: The secret to those pillowy buns! It helps the dough rise perfectly without the long wait.
Sugar: A little sweetness is essential to balance the coffee flavor. It also helps the buns brown beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the flavors. You don’t even notice it, but it’s absolutely necessary.
Milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough. It’s a key player in making the buns soft and tender.
Butter: This is what gives these buns their irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll be able to taste the buttery goodness in every bite.
Egg: It helps bind everything together and adds a lovely richness to the dough.
Coffee: The star ingredient! We use coffee to flavor both the dough and the glaze, giving the buns their signature aroma and flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A little hint of vanilla goes a long way to round out the flavors and add warmth to the buns.
Powdered Sugar: For the glaze—this makes the coffee glaze smooth and just the right amount of sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these irresistible coffee buns:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your buns bake evenly and perfectly when they’re ready to go in.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the milk, butter, egg, and a little coffee (for flavor). Stir until it comes together into a dough.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and a little tacky, but not too sticky.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a lined baking tray, leaving space between each bun.
Make the Coffee Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the coffee and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and combined. This is what will give your buns that delicious, sweet coffee topping.
Top the Buns: Spoon the coffee glaze over the tops of the buns. You can be generous here—this is what gives them their signature look and flavor!
Bake to Perfection: Pop the tray in the oven and bake the buns for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven.
Finishing Touches: Once the buns are golden and slightly cooled, drizzle a little more of the coffee glaze over the top for an extra boost of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the buns warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and watch them disappear.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250 (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

How to Serve Easy Papparotti (Coffee Buns)

These delicious coffee buns can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

With Coffee: Naturally, these buns go hand-in-hand with a cup of coffee or tea. Their soft, coffee-flavored goodness makes them the perfect pairing for your morning brew.
As a Snack: Great for an afternoon pick-me-up, these buns are perfect for tea time or any time you need a sweet, comforting snack.
With Ice Cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve these buns with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. The combination of warm buns and cold ice cream is simply divine.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair these with fresh berries or a citrus salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet flavor of the buns.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping the buns.
Perfect for Sharing: These coffee buns are ideal for sharing with friends and family. Bake a batch and watch everyone dig in with smiles.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm them up.
Double the Batch: This recipe is so easy to double. If you’ve got a crowd, make extra! You won’t regret it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee?
A1: Yes, you can! Just brew a strong cup of coffee and use it in place of instant coffee. It’ll give the buns a rich, deep flavor.

Q2: Can I freeze the buns?
A1: Absolutely! After baking, let the buns cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q3: How do I store leftover buns?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious.

Q4: Can I make the buns without the coffee glaze?
A4: Yes, you can! The buns are still amazing on their own, or you can top them with a simple icing or even chocolate glaze for a twist.

Q5: How can I make the dough more flavorful?
A5: You can add a little cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs wonderfully with the coffee glaze.

Q6: Can I use a stand mixer for kneading the dough?
A6: Yes! If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes.

Q7: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
A7: Yes, almond milk works great as a substitute. It will add a slightly nutty flavor to the buns, which is delicious!

Q8: Can I use a different type of flour?
A8: You can experiment with other types of flour, like whole wheat flour, but be aware that the texture might be a little denser.

Q9: How can I make the buns sweeter?
A9: If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a bit more sugar to both the dough and the coffee glaze to make them extra sweet.

Q10: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A10: Yes! Chocolate chips would make a great addition to these buns. Just fold them in when you mix the dough.

Conclusion

There you have it—easy, melt-in-your-mouth coffee buns that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these Easy Papparotti (Coffee Buns) will never disappoint. So go ahead, try them out, and get ready for some serious smiles all around. Happy baking!