Cocoa Cream Cheese Banana Hedgehog Buns
Adorable soft buns shaped like tiny hedgehogs, featuring a rich cocoa dough wrapped around a sweet cream cheese and banana filling. These charming treats are perfect for afternoon tea or as a fun snack for kids.
Story
These cute hedgehog-shaped buns combine the warmth of cocoa with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese and fresh banana. The bread machine does most of the heavy lifting for the dough, leaving you to focus on the fun shaping. Watch as the little "spikes" emerge as you snip the tops - it's a delightful activity to do with children!
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
300g
cocoa powder
15g
instant yeast
3g
sugar
40g
salt
3g
milk
180ml
butter
25g
cream cheese
100g
powdered sugar
30g
ripe banana
1 medium
Instructions
1
Mix the dough
Add flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sugar, and salt to your bread machine bucket. Pour in the milk and select the dough/knead program. Let the machine work until a smooth, elastic dough forms - this should take about 15 minutes. Add the butter halfway through and continue kneading until fully incorporated.
2
First rise
Once the dough is smooth and pulling away from the sides of the bucket, stop the machine. Leave the dough inside with the lid closed and let it rise until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes. The dough is ready when you poke it gently and it springs back slowly.
3
Prepare the filling
While the dough rises, soften the cream cheese at room temperature until spreadable. Add the powdered sugar and whisk until light and fluffy. Mash the banana with a fork and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.
4
Shape the hedgehogs
Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a disc, spoon about a tablespoon of filling into the center, and seal the edges tightly. Roll into an oval shape, slightly tapered at one end - this will be the hedgehog's nose.
5
Create the spikes
Use kitchen scissors to make small cuts along the rounded top of each bun, snipping at an angle to create the hedgehog's signature spikes. For the nose, use a tiny piece of dough or a drop of chocolate to make two small eyes.
6
Final rise and bake
Place the shaped hedgehogs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Cover loosely and let them rest for 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the tops lightly with milk for a golden finish. Bake for 18-20 minutes until puffed and firm. Cool slightly before serving.
