Delicious Bolo Bao Recipe - Chinese Pineapple Buns

Learn how to make your own Bolo Bao (Chinese Pineapple Buns) with this easy and delicious recipe. These soft and fluffy buns, topped with a sweet cookie crust, are a popular treat in Chinese bakeries. The combination of the soft bun and the crispy topping makes them a delight to eat. Enjoy these buns for breakfast, as a snack, or for any special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

Ingredients

• For the Bun Dough:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg yolk
• For the Cookie Crust Topping:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon milk
• For the Filling:
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pineapple jam

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast for the bun dough. Mix well.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg yolk. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the cookie crust topping. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
6. Gradually add the beaten egg, mixing well after each addition.
7. Sift the flour and baking powder into the butter mixture. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
8. Add the milk and continue mixing until the dough comes together.
9. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a ball. Set aside.
10. In another bowl, prepare the filling by mixing together the softened butter, sugar, desiccated coconut, and flour until well combined.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Once the bun dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a ball.
13. Flatten each dough ball into a round disc and place a spoonful of pineapple jam in the center.
14. Gather the edges of the dough and seal tightly, shaping it into a bun.
15. Place the buns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
16. Take one portion of the cookie crust dough and flatten it into a disc slightly larger than the bun. Place it on top of a bun and gently press down to adhere.
17. Repeat for the remaining buns.
18. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the buns and cookie crust turn golden brown.
19. Remove from the oven and let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving.
20. Enjoy these delicious Bolo Bao (Chinese Pineapple Buns) warm or at room temperature!

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