Pan de Coco

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: regular milk

Almond milk reduces calories while maintaining moisture.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds flavor and is dairy-free.

grated coconut

🥗Healthier: unsweetened shredded coconut

💰Cheaper: dried coconut flakes

Unsweetened shredded coconut offers a healthier option.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener with a unique flavor.

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of instant dry yeast; stir until you see bubbles indicating the yeast is active.

Add 1 whole egg, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons of full cream powdered milk to the yeast mixture; mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 kilo of all-purpose or bread flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt; do not add salt directly to the yeast mixture.

Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix for 1-2 minutes until a dough forms.

Once the dough picks up all the flour and cleans the sides of the bowl, add 1/2 cup of shortening or margarine and mix until incorporated.

Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes at medium speed until elastic; check for the 'window pane' test to ensure gluten development.

Prepare a bowl with a little oil, form the dough into a smooth ball, and place it in the bowl; cover with plastic or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour 45 minutes.

For the coconut filling, combine 2 cups of freshly grated coconut, 2/3 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a pan; add 1/4 cup of water if the coconut is dry.

Cook the coconut mixture for 5 minutes until the sugar melts and the mixture becomes wet; then cool it down.

After the dough has risen, poke it to check if the indentation stays; if it does, it has risen enough.

Divide the dough and form each piece into a smooth ball; flatten each ball and place a spoonful of the coconut filling in the center, then fold the dough over to seal.

Place the filled dough on a tray lined with parchment paper; ensure the smooth side is facing up and press it down slightly.

Brush the tops with milk or egg wash; make decorative designs with a fork if desired.

Let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Preheat the oven and bake the rolls until golden brown; check for doneness visually.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens