Name: Chinese Coconut Buns Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 400 g white bread flour; 75 g caster sugar (superfine sugar); 3 g fine salt; 9 g instant dried yeast; 1 egg (at room temperature); 250 ml milk (warmed to 37°C/98°F); 40 g unsalted butter (softened); 170 g unsalted butter (softened); 75 g caster sugar (superfine sugar); 3 g fine salt; 40 g plain flour (all-purpose or cake flour); 60 g skim milk powder; 80 g dessicated coconut; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 50 g plain flour (all-purpose or cake flour); 55 g caster sugar (superfine sugar); 1 egg; 1 dash milk; Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling Chinatown bakery, your eyes probably couldn’t resist the warm, inviting glow of those perfectly golden, fluffy delights known as Chinese Coconut Buns. This Chinese Coconut Buns Recipe is like a bite of heaven—a soft, pillowy exterior hugging a sweet, creamy coconut filling that simply melts in your mouth. Today, I’m thrilled to share this timeless recipe with you, one that brings bright flavors and a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, these buns promise a comforting, delicious treat that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white mixing bowl containing a single smooth ball of pale beige dough resting at the bottom, with soft folds and a slightly shiny surface showing its elasticity. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with the dough centered and no other items visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Chinese Coconut Buns Recipe requires just a handful of kitchen staples that wonderfully blend to create a rich and tender dough, along with a luscious coconut filling. Each ingredient plays an essential role in developing the buns’ signature texture and sweet flavor.

White bread flour (400 g): The strong flour creates a soft but sturdy dough perfect for fluffy buns.
Caster sugar (75 g + 55 g): Also known as superfine sugar, it dissolves quickly for a smooth sweetness in both dough and filling.
Fine salt (3 g + 3 g): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness throughout.
Instant dried yeast (9 g): The secret to getting that light, airy rise in the dough; make sure it’s fresh.
Egg (2 total): Adds richness and a lovely golden color once baked.
Milk (250 ml warm + a dash for wash): Warm milk activates the yeast and lends tenderness to the dough.
Unsalted butter (40 g + 170 g + 3 tablespoons): Butter is key for that soft crumb and the creamy filling consistency.
Plain flour (40 g + 50 g): Used in the filling and topping to keep everything smooth and perfectly textured.
Skim milk powder (60 g): Adds richness and tenderness to the coconut filling.
Dessicated coconut (80 g): The star of the show, delivering that iconic tropical sweetness and texture inside every bun.
Sesame seeds: For that classic nutty crunch and beautiful finish.

How to Make Chinese Coconut Buns Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

First things first, combine your flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. Start mixing gently with the dough hook to bring them all together, then add a room-temperature egg and carefully stream in your warm milk to help kick-start the yeast’s magic. Keep mixing until a rough dough forms. This is when the fun begins! Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, making sure each addition is fully absorbed before the next. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 15 to 20 minutes until it becomes soft, elastic, and just a touch sticky from all the richness.

Step 2: First Proofing

Place your dough into a lightly oiled large bowl, then cover it with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a cozy, warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and feels airy and springy to the touch. Meanwhile, prepare your coconut filling to save time.

Step 3: Making the Coconut Filling

In the mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, or simply using a sturdy wooden spoon, blend the butter, sugar, salt, flours, milk powder, dessicated coconut, and one egg into a thick, creamy paste. This filling has a gloriously rich texture that will give your buns that authentic sweet coconut flavor. Divide it into 16 equal portions and roll each into a small log shape.

Step 4: Portioning the Dough

Once your dough has puffed up beautifully, gently deflate it and pat it into a round. Weigh the dough and divide into 16 equal pieces, rolling each into a tight, smooth ball. Place these dough balls on a lined baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes until they get slightly puffy.

Step 5: Assembling the Buns

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into an oval shape about 12 cm long. Place one piece of coconut filling in the center, then tuck and pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside, shaping each bun neatly. Arrange them seam-side down on a second lined baking sheet. For traditional individual buns, leave 5 cm space between; if you prefer fluffier, connected buns, put them closer together—about 1 cm apart.

Step 6: Second Proofing and Decorating

Allow the buns to proof again in a warm environment for 30 minutes, until noticeably risen. While waiting, mix together a silky egg wash and prepare the decorative coconut topping paste by blending butter, sugar, flour, and egg to pipe onto the buns. Brush each bun with the egg wash, then pipe the topping along the top and bottom edges. Sprinkle sesame seeds in the middle for that inviting finish.

Step 7: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) without fan, placing a metal baking tray on the middle rack to hold your baking sheet. Carefully transfer the buns onto the preheated tray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye around 10 minutes, and if they brown too fast, cover lightly with foil. Your buns are done when an internal temperature of 85°C (185°F) is reached. Cool them on a wire rack and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chinese Coconut Buns Recipe

A tray holds a large golden-brown baked bread made of eight connected rolls, each marked with white icing crosses and sprinkled with sesame seeds on top. Around the tray, there are three smaller, individual rolls with the same golden color, icing cross decoration, and sesame seeds. To the right, one of the small rolls sits on a white plate with round beaded edges on a white marbled surface. Near the plate, there are two small white dishes—one with sesame seeds and the other empty, shaped like a flower. A textured light brown cloth is casually placed at the bottom right corner. The scene is bright with soft, natural light, showing the shiny, smooth tops and soft sides of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or additional toasted sesame seeds enhance both appearance and flavor without overpowering the classic coconut sweetness. For a festive touch, a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk adds even more indulgence.

Side Dishes

These buns pair beautifully with a warming cup of jasmine tea or a rich, milky coffee. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness. The coconut buns’ sugary filling complements savory dishes such as steamed dumplings or dim sum for a well-rounded meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving Chinese Coconut Buns Recipe in a bamboo steamer basket or on a colorful platter for a charming, authentic vibe. You can also slice them open to create sweet sandwiches filled with cream cheese or fruit preserves, giving a delightful twist on tradition for a brunch party or afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their softness and prevents the coconut filling from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked buns by wrapping the tray tightly with cling film and foil, freezing for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with the second proofing and baking as usual for fresh results.

Reheating

To bring leftover buns back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent losing their soft texture. This quick reheat revives the buns’ pillowy goodness and gooey coconut filling perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use canned coconut milk instead of milk powder?

While canned coconut milk adds a lovely flavor, it can change the dough texture and moisture balance. Milk powder helps keep the filling firm, so for best results, stick with the recipe’s milk powder if possible.

Is instant yeast necessary for this recipe?

Instant yeast is preferred because it activates quickly and reliably at a warm temperature, leading to consistent dough rise. You can substitute active dry yeast, but be sure to proof it first in warm milk with sugar.

How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly sticky while pulling away from the bowl’s sides cleanly. It’s ready if it springs back slowly when pressed with your finger.

Can I make smaller or larger buns?

Definitely! Adjust the size by dividing the dough and filling into different portions, but keep baking times in mind. Smaller buns may bake faster, so start checking around 10 minutes.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the topping?

No worries! You can spread the topping gently with the back of a spoon or even a small offset spatula to give your buns a lovely finish without fancy tools.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to master this Chinese Coconut Buns Recipe feels like unlocking a little piece of culinary magic in your own kitchen. The incredible balance of soft bread and sweet coconut filling will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let these buns fill your home with warmth and irresistible aroma. Trust me, once you taste them fresh from the oven, you’ll be hooked for life!