Pandan Gula Melaka Buns

Make the coconut filling:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the shredded coconut, palm sugar or coconut sugar, sea salt cook over medium heat.
2. Add in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture can be clumped together, without it being too wet.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Divide the filling into 6 equal portions and use your hands to form each portion into a ball, lightly squeezing to hold its shape.
5. Place onto a plate and cover. Set aside.

Make the dough:

1. In a blender, combine the pandan leaves with the milk and blend until smooth.
2. Strain the pandan milk into a bowl and discard the pandan pulp.
3. Warm the pandan milk in a microwave for 15-20 seconds, until just lukewarm.
4. Add a few drops of pandan extract to the milk (optional).
5. Add in the sugar and yeast and give it a stir, set aside for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
6. In a mixing bowl fitted with a dough hook, add in the flour and oil.
7. Once yeast is active, add the yeast mixture to the flour and knead until the dough is soft, shiny and forms a thin windowpane.
8. If the dough is too wet, add in 1 tablespoon of flour, until the dough comes together.
9. Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Place in a warm location for the dough to double in size, about 60-90 minutes.
10. Once the dough has risen, divide the dough into 6 equal portions.
11. Roll each dough into a round ball and flatten with a rolling pin.
12. Add a coconut filling to the centre of the dough and pleat to seal.
13. Place the bun seam-side down onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
14. Repeat with the remainder.
15. Cover the buns with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm location, until slightly puffy.
16. Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.
17. Bake the buns at 350°F/177°C for 15-18 minutes, until slightly golden on top. If the buns are browning too quickly, add a piece of aluminum foil over top.
18. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
19. Enjoy the buns slightly warm or at room temperature.