Hello, baking enthusiasts and lovers of all things adorable! Today, we're venturing into the world of irresistibly cute and delicious creations with Bear Coffee Buns. These delightful buns not only resemble adorable bears but are also filled with the rich flavors of coffee and sweetness. I'm excited to guide you through the process of creating these huggable treats, inspired by a TikTok video from @novaacafe. So, let's preheat those ovens and get ready to bake up some bear-y good buns!
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Bun Dough:
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup instant coffee granules
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Bear Decorations:
- Sliced almonds (for ears)
- Chocolate chips (for eyes and nose)
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture, melted unsalted butter, and the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead and Rise
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Coffee Filling
- Dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water.
- Mix in the sweetened condensed milk and softened unsalted butter until you have a smooth coffee filling.
Step 5: Shape the Buns
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a round bun.
- Flatten each bun and place a spoonful of the coffee filling in the center. Gather the edges to enclose the filling and shape it into a bear's head.
Step 6: Add the Bear Details
- Attach sliced almonds as ears, chocolate chips as eyes, and nose to create the adorable bear face.
- Use a sharp knife to make a small slit for the mouth.
Step 7: Let Them Rise Again
- Place the bear buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake and Enjoy
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the bear buns with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
Step 9: Bear-y Delicious Treats!
- Let the bear coffee buns cool slightly before indulging in their adorable, coffee-infused sweetness.
Tips for Extra Flair:
- You can adjust the sweetness of the filling to your liking by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk.
- Get creative with your bear decorations. Use different chocolate chip sizes for varied expressions.
There you have it, dear readers! Bear Coffee Buns that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you're surprising your loved ones with their cuteness or simply treating yourself to a delightful snack, these bear buns are sure to bring a smile to your face.
So, gather your ingredients and embark on a baking adventure filled with sweetness and creativity. Happy baking! 🐻🍞☕