First Bake of 2012 - Mochi Buns / Brazilian Cheese Buns / Pao De Queijo

Mochi Buns / Brazilian Cheese Buns / Pao De Queijo

Teh: Whatever you call them, Mochi Buns / Brazilian Cheese Buns / Pao De Queijo, these chewy cheesy buns are quite addictive especially when they just come out of the oven! Half way through the making of these buns, there will be a few thoughts going through your mind. In no particular order, here are the thoughts:

1) Are you sure this is right?
2) The dough feels so wrong!
3) Why does the dough keep sticking to the whisk?!

Whenever one of these thoughts appear in your mind, answer it with this - "Just do it!"

Now you are all set to try this recipe! Enjoy!


Mochi Buns / Brazilian Cheese Buns / Pao De Queijo 
1 cup whole milk (240ml)
4 tablespoons butter, melted (60g)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (60ml)
200g tapioca flour
3 eggs, slightly beaten
4 slices of cheddar cheese
1.5 tsp Salt

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Mix milk, salt, vegetable oil and butter in a pot, and bring to a boil.

2. Remove from heat when it almost boils. Stir tapioca flour into the milk and butter mixture.

3. Break the cheese into small pieces and add it to the mixture. Use an electric whisk to roughly blend in the cheese.

4. Add the beaten eggs slowly while whisking the mixture.

5. The mixture will become very elastic and hard to mix. Stop periodically and remove the dough from the whisk before continuing (if needed) until all eggs have been added.

6. Shape the dough into small balls with floured hands. You can use tapioca flour. (remember to grease the baking tray first)

7. Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are puffed up and are golden. They look and behave a little like cream puffs.

8. Serve warm.

A small note - I realised if you bake the buns to be browner, the cheese taste is more distinct. But try not to burn them ;) 

There are other flavors sold in bakeries. E.g. Chocolate or black sesame seeds. I think these can be done the way as the cheese flavour, except chocolate powder should be added to the milk and black sesame seeds added to the flour. I have not tried those out though. Good luck!