Easy Dutch Coffee Buns Recipe: Perfect Morning Treat

Dutch coffee buns represent a beloved culinary treasure with roots deeper than most realize.

Warm, pillowy pastries emerge from traditional ovens across netherlands, carrying centuries of baking wisdom.

Soft dough elevates into delicate rolls that melt effortlessly on your tongue, creating sensory memories with each bite.

Subtle spices and rich butter weave complexity into these remarkable breakfast companions.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these buns transcend ordinary morning fare with their nuanced flavor profile.

Bakers craft these delicacies with precision, balancing sweetness and texture in every carefully kneaded batch.

Why These Coffee Buns Are a Morning Must-Have

• Savor Versatile Flavor Combinations: Experience a delightful blend of sweet cranberries, rich almond paste, and soft buttery dough that creates a perfect harmony of tastes in every single bite.
• Enjoy Effortless Baking Process: These coffee buns come together easily with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Create Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Companion: Designed to pair wonderfully with coffee, these buns transform an ordinary morning into a special gathering, bringing warmth and comfort to your breakfast table with their inviting aroma and delectable texture.
• Customize with Endless Possibilities: The recipe allows for creative variations, enabling you to swap cranberries with other fruits or adjust almond paste quantities, making each batch uniquely yours while maintaining the core deliciousness of the original Dutch coffee buns.

The Bakery-Style Ingredients for a Tender, Fluffy Bun

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the buns, all-purpose flour works best.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating soft texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb to the buns.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet background flavor.
• Milk: Helps activate yeast and creates soft dough texture.

• Almond Paste: Adds rich, nutty flavor and creamy filling.
• Cranberries: Provides tart contrast and fruity burst.
• Jam: Creates sweet glaze with additional fruity notes.
• Warm Water: Helps thin jam for easy glazing.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds crunchy texture and decorative topping.

How to Shape, Fill, and Bake Buns Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with hook attachment, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface or use stand mixer on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: First Dough Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, break almond paste into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently deflate the risen dough and briefly knead on a floured surface. Roll out to a 13 x 13 inch square.

Step 4: Add Filling

Spread almond paste evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Scatter cranberries across the surface.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough into a tight cylinder from one edge to another, with the seam side down. Using a serrated knife, slice into 1 to 1½ inch pieces. Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet. If any filling falls out, tuck it back into the rolls.

Step 6: Second Dough Rise

Cover rolls loosely with parchment paper and plastic wrap. Let proof in a warm space for 30-45 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Optional: Brush melted butter over the roll tops. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Gently press to check doneness – they should be soft underneath.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

• Jam
• Warm water
• Sliced almonds

Mix jam with warm water to create a glaze. Once rolls have cooled slightly, generously apply glaze over the tops and sides. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these delightful buns alongside a steaming cup of coffee. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or mid-morning treat that will warm up any gathering!

Tips for Golden Tops and Buttery Layers Inside

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it in warm (not hot) milk to guarantee a soft, fluffy texture in your Dutch coffee buns.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading the dough until smooth and elastic, which creates a tender and light bread structure.
• Control Rising Temperature: Place the dough in a consistently warm spot around 80-85°F to promote even and optimal rising without overproofing.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion when cutting rolls to maintain the delicate dough's structure and prevent squishing.
• Glaze for Gourmet Finish: Apply jam glaze while buns are slightly warm to help almonds adhere and create a glossy, professional-looking surface that enhances overall flavor and presentation.

How to Keep Buns Soft and Fresh Day After Day

• Refrigeration: Store cooled Dutch coffee buns in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Wrap each bun individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out. Refrigerated buns will stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Freezing: Carefully place buns in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap each bun separately to prevent freezer burn and maintain their delicate texture.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until slightly heated through.

What Drinks and Spreads Complete These Bakery Beauties

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair these Dutch coffee buns with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the almond and cranberry flavors. The smooth, slightly nutty coffee will enhance the sweetness of the buns.
• Cheese and Fruit Contrast: Serve alongside a creamy goat cheese or mild brie to balance the sweet cranberry and almond notes. The tangy cheese provides a delightful counterpoint to the buns' rich texture.
• Morning Beverage Delight: Create a breakfast experience by adding fresh orange juice or a light chai latte. These drinks will cut through the buns' sweetness and add a refreshing morning touch to your meal.
• Spread the Warmth: Offer a small dish of additional jam or honey on the side, allowing guests to customize their bun's sweetness and create a personalized breakfast moment.

Fresh Twists for Filling and Topping These Sweet Rolls

• Nutty Chocolate Version: Replace cranberries with dark chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts for a rich, decadent flavor profile that complements the almond paste perfectly.
• Berry Burst Variation: Swap cranberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries, adding a vibrant, tangy twist to the traditional Dutch coffee bun recipe that brings summer brightness to your breakfast table.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and diced dried apples into the dough, creating a warm, comforting bun that captures the essence of fall mornings with each delicious bite.
• Tropical Paradise Spin: Mix in shredded coconut and diced dried mango instead of cranberries, transforming the classic recipe into a sunshine-inspired treat that transports you to a tropical paradise.

Dutch Coffee Buns Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Dutch coffee buns invite coffee enthusiasts on a delightful journey through Netherlands’ traditional baking. Warm, aromatic pastries glazed with sweet coffee essence promise a comforting experience that connects you directly to Dutch culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 16 ounces (454 grams) almond paste
• 1 packet (7 grams/0.25 ounces) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (300 milliliters) lukewarm milk
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) warm water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 handful sliced almonds
• ¼ cup (40 grams) dried cranberries or raisins
• ¼ cup (80 grams) fruit jam (options include tart cherry, strawberry, apricot, or blueberry)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl or stand mixer equipped with a dough hook, blend flour, salt, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Incorporate softened butter, pure vanilla extract, and lukewarm milk; mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms. Knead on a lightly dusted work surface or continue mixing with the stand mixer until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, covering it completely with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment for approximately 60 to 75 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. Meanwhile, crumble the almond paste into small, manageable fragments.
3. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. Gently deflate the risen dough and perform a brief kneading on a floured surface before rolling it out to a precise 13 x 13 inches (33 x 33 centimeters) rectangle.
4. Evenly distribute the crumbled almond paste across the dough’s surface, maintaining a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) border around the edges. Sprinkle dried cranberries uniformly over the almond paste layer.
5. Carefully roll the dough into a compact cylinder, beginning from one edge and moving towards the opposite side. Position the seam facing downward. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the roll into portions ranging from 1 to 1½ inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters) thick. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, reassembling any fallen filling within the rolls.
6. Loosely cover the rolls with parchment paper and plastic wrap, allowing them to undergo a second proofing in a warm location for 30 to 45 minutes. The rolls should appear slightly more voluminous than their initial state.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Optionally, brush the rolls with melted butter to enhance their golden appearance. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the exterior turns a rich golden brown while maintaining a soft interior when gently pressed.
8. Create a glaze by combining jam with warm water until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Once the baked goods have cooled slightly, generously apply the glaze over the surface and sides of the rolls. Delicately sprinkle sliced almonds across the glazed tops.
9. Present these delectable Dutch coffee buns alongside a steaming pot of freshly brewed coffee, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere for a delightful gathering.

Notes

• Almond paste transforms ordinary dough into a decadent pastry with rich, nutty undertones.
• Cranberries add vibrant tartness and beautiful color contrast against golden-brown baked rolls.
• Soft, pillowy texture emerges from patient rising process, allowing yeast to develop complex flavors.
• Warm butter brushing creates irresistible golden sheen that promises delectable first bite.
• Homemade jam glaze provides sweet finish, elevating simple coffee buns into memorable breakfast treat.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Dutch

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 206 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg