There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of fresh-baked buns filling your kitchen, especially when they come with a delightful twist of coffee flavor. Imagine pulling these Vegan Papparoti, or coffee buns, from the oven, their golden tops glistening, inviting you to take a bite. The sweet aroma of vanilla combined with the rich notes of espresso makes for an irresistible pairing that will transport you to a cozy café, right from your home.

I first discovered this recipe during a rainy afternoon, with nothing but flour and a craving for something new. These buns are more than just a treat; they effortlessly bridge the gap between indulgent pastries and a wholesome snack, perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends over a cup of tea or enjoying one solo while curled up with a good book, these Vegan Papparoti are bound to be a hit. Let me walk you through the simple steps to creating this delightful masterpiece that’s sure to banish any fast food fatigue!

Why are Vegan Papparoti so irresistible?

Warm, Cozy Vibes: Baking these delightful coffee buns envelops your kitchen in a comforting aroma that rivals your favorite café.
Unique Flavor Fusion: The sweet vanilla combined with rich coffee elevates these buns into a unique treat that marries indulgence with warmth.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, creating these delectable buns is a breeze, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
Versatility: Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, a delightful snack, or an impressive dessert to share with friends at any gathering.
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re bound to be the star of any meal, delighting family and guests with every fluffy, flavorful bite!
Satisfying Snacks: You’ll never feel guilty indulging in these wholesome, plant-based buns, which easily beat fast food alternatives. Try making a batch to brighten up your week!

Vegan Papparoti Ingredients

For the Buns
• Unsweetened plant-based milk – 1 cup (240 ml) helps to create a moist and tender dough.
• Bread flour – 4 cups (500 g) provides the structure needed for fluffy buns.
• Granulated white sugar – 7 tbsp (87 g) adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the coffee flavor.
• Instant yeast – 1 tbsp gives the dough a lovely rise for fluffy, airy results.
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp (5 ml) infuses delightful warmth and sweetness into each bun.
• Vegan butter – 6 tbsp (84 g), diced and at room temperature, ensures a rich, buttery flavor in your Vegan Papparoti.
• Salt – 1 tsp enhances the flavors and elevates the overall taste profile.
• Vegan butter (cold) – 10 cubes (1 teaspoon / 4.5g) are used for the craquelin topping, adding to the overall richness.

For the Craquelin Topping
• Instant coffee granules – 1 tsp brings that delightful coffee kick to your coffee buns.
• Hot water – 2 tsp (10 ml) helps dissolve the coffee granules for an even flavor distribution.
• Vegan butter – 1/4 cup (56 g) at room temperature is key for a creamy, luscious topping.
• Granulated white sugar – 6 tbsp (75 g) sweetens the topping, adding a delightful crust.
• Unsweetened plant-based milk – 2 tbsp (30 ml) allows for a smooth, spreadable consistency in your topping.
• Vanilla extract – 1/2 tsp (2 ml) adds an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
• All-purpose flour – 9 tbsp (72 g) binds the topping together for that signature craquelin texture.

How to Make Vegan Papparoti

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend unsweetened plant-based milk, bread flour, granulated white sugar, instant yeast, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined, creating a cozy dough.
Knead the Dough: Add the diced vegan butter and salt to the mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps develop the gluten for that fluffy texture.
Let It Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. This resting time is crucial for fluffy buns.
Prepare the Craquelin: In a small bowl, mix the instant coffee granules with hot water until dissolved. This will give your topping that delightful coffee flavor.
Cream Ingredients: In another bowl, cream together the room temperature vegan butter and granulated white sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a luscious topping!
Mix in Remaining Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add the unsweetened plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and flour. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined to form your craquelin topping.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
Shape the Buns: Divide the risen dough into equal portions and shape them into buns. Place each bun on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for rising.
Add Topping: Spoon a portion of the craquelin mixture onto each shaped bun, spreading it evenly across the tops for that signature delicious crunch.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the aroma fills your kitchen!

Optional: Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Papparoti (Coffee Buns) are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients, knead, and let it rise before covering it tightly and refrigerating. For the craquelin topping, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, ensuring it retains its luscious texture. When you’re ready to bake, shape the dough into buns, top them with the chilled craquelin, and allow them to rise until doubled before baking. This not only saves you time but also ensures that your homemade coffee buns are just as delicious!

How to Store and Freeze Vegan Papparoti

Room Temperature: Store cooled Vegan Papparoti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their softness while keeping them fresh.

Fridge: For extended freshness, place the buns in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 5 days. Just remember to wrap them securely to avoid drying out.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the buns overnight in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven for about 5-10 minutes, restoring their heavenly texture!

What to Serve with Vegan Papparoti?

Freshly baked buns deserve the perfect companions to create a delectable meal experience.

Rich Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso enhance the coffee notes in the buns, making every bite delightful. Sip and savor this classic pairing from your favorite café.
Fruit Compote: A tangy raspberry or sweet peach compote adds a burst of freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich, sweet flavor of the Vegan Papparoti. Spread a dollop on your bun for a fruity twist!
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping provides a tropical flair that complements the sweet vanilla notes in the buns. A generous spoonful makes for an indulgent treat!
Herbal Tea: Warm herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, offers a soothing accompaniment that balances the coffee’s richness. It creates a cozy, calming afternoon break perfect for snuggling up with good company.
Chocolate Ganache: A drizzle of silky chocolate ganache elevates the buns into an irresistible dessert. The smooth, rich chocolate mingling with coffee is pure bliss for any sweet tooth.
Sliced Fresh Fruit: Juicy citrus or berries add a refreshing element, cleansing the palate between bites while bringing color and vibrancy to your plate.
Almond Milk Latte: This friendly drink complements the sweetness of your Vegan Papparoti while enhancing their coffee notes. The warm, frothy texture makes it the perfect sipping partner for a lazy brunch.
Caramel Sauce: For a truly indulgent experience, drizzle warm caramel sauce over your buns. The sweet, buttery flavor brings out the best in the coffee aroma, making each bite a little slice of heaven!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Placing a warm bun alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. The melting ice cream mingles beautifully with every fluffy, coffee-infused bite!

Expert Tips for Vegan Papparoti

• Perfect Dough Texture: Ensure your dough is smooth and elastic by kneading well for at least 5-7 minutes, which helps achieve that airy Vegan Papparoti.

• Rising Time: Be patient with the dough rising; it should double in size in a warm area. Avoid drafts to ensure the dough rises properly.

• Craquelin Consistency: Make sure your craquelin topping is spreadable but not runny. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more plant-based milk for the right texture.

• Topping Distribution: Use an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the craquelin on each bun, ensuring all get a delightful crunchy topping!

• Gold Standard Baking: Keep an eye on your buns in the last few minutes of baking; they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Vegan Papparoti Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Vegan Papparoti and make them uniquely yours with these delightful twists!

Gluten-Free: Substitute bread flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously different texture that everyone can enjoy. Just ensure it’s a blend with a binding agent for the best results.
Sweetener Swap: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that complements the coffee beautifully.
Flavor Boost: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon, cardamom, or cocoa powder to the dough for an enticing twist that adds depth and warmth to each bite.
Nutty Accents: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough for a delightful crunch that adds a tasty surprise to your Vegan Papparoti.
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in vegan chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for a decadent chocolatey experience that will have chocolate fans swooning!
Caramelized Apple: Adding chunks of caramelized apples or pears into the bun dough can infuse it with fruity sweetness, creating a scrumptious treat to savor.
Spicy Kick: For a hint of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the dough or topping, balancing sweetness with a delightful spice.
Coconut Cream Topping: Swap out the craquelin topping for a rich coconut cream glaze. Just blend coconut cream with powdered sugar and drizzle it over warm buns for a tropical delight!

Vegan Papparoti (Coffee Buns) Recipe FAQs

What type of plant-based milk works best for Vegan Papparoti?
Absolutely! You can use any unsweetened plant-based milk you prefer, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. The choice of milk may slightly affect the flavor and texture, but all will yield tasty results. I often lean towards almond milk for its subtle nuttiness or oat milk for its creaminess.

How should I store my Vegan Papparoti?
To keep your buns fresh, store cooled Vegan Papparoti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need them to last longer, move them to the refrigerator, where they can be kept for up to 5 days – just make sure they’re well-wrapped!

Can I freeze Vegan Papparoti, and how do I do it?
Yes! To freeze your Vegan Papparoti, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven for about 5-10 minutes to bring back their delightful texture.

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising properly?
Very common! If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to the yeast being expired or the environment being too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and try placing the bowl in a warm, draft-free location. If you don’t see it rising after an hour, you can give it a gentle knead and let it rise again, perhaps covering it with a warm cloth for extra warmth.

Are Vegan Papparoti safe for those with nut allergies?
If you’re accommodating someone with nut allergies, you can substitute the unsweetened plant-based milk with an alternative such as rice milk or coconut milk, which are nut-free options. Always double-check those labels, as some brands might have cross-contamination warnings.

Can I add other flavors to the craquelin topping?
The more the merrier! Feel free to customize your craquelin topping by adding spices like cinnamon or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. You can also stir in some finely chopped nuts or perhaps even a splash of your favorite liqueur for an adult version! Just maintain the original ratios for best texture.