ขนมต้มกาแฟ

ขนมต้มกาแฟ — Coffee-Flavored Thai Rice Dumplings (Khanom Tom Kafae)

Introduction — ขนมต้มกาแฟ

ขนมต้มกาแฟ (Khanom Tom Kafae) is a delightful Thai dessert: soft glutinous rice dumplings lightly flavored with coffee and filled with sweet coconut. This beginner-friendly recipe shows you how to make chewy, aromatic coffee dumplings at home using simple ingredients. Perfect as a snack or dessert, ขนมต้มกาแฟ combines the comforting chew of sticky rice with a caramelized coconut center and a hint of coffee — a lovely twist on a classic Thai sweet.

Ingredients for ขนมต้มกาแฟ

• 200 g glutinous rice flour (about 1 2/3 cups)
• 160–180 ml strong brewed coffee, cooled (about 2/3–3/4 cup) — adjust for dough texture
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vegetable oil (optional, for smoother dough)
• For the coconut filling:
  • 120 g shredded coconut (unsweetened or fresh, about 1 cup)
  • 60 g palm sugar or brown sugar (about 3 tbsp) — adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Pinch of salt
• For coating:
  • 100 g shredded coconut, lightly toasted (about 1 cup)
  • Optional: 1–2 tsp instant coffee powder or cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions — How to make ขนมต้มกาแฟ

1. Make the coconut filling: In a non-stick pan, combine shredded coconut, palm sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and the coconut becomes sticky and slightly caramelized (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool. Form into small 1–1.5 teaspoon balls and set aside.
2. Prepare the coffee dough: In a mixing bowl, put the glutinous rice flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add cooled strong coffee, mixing with a spatula or your hand until a soft, pliable dough forms. If dough is too dry, add a teaspoon more coffee; if too sticky, add a little more flour. Optionally knead in 1 tsp vegetable oil for smoothness.
3. Divide and fill: Pinch off pieces of dough about 18–22 g each (about the size of a ping-pong ball). Flatten each piece in your palm, place a coconut filling ball in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around the filling. Roll gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.
4. Boil the dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the filled dumplings into the boiling water, stirring once to prevent sticking. When the dumplings float to the surface, let them cook for 2–3 more minutes to ensure the dough is fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove them.
5. Coat with toasted coconut: Toss the hot dumplings in the toasted shredded coconut so they are evenly coated. If desired, dust lightly with instant coffee or cocoa powder for an extra coffee aroma and attractive look.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature: Arrange on a plate and serve ขนมต้มกาแฟ warm for the best chewy texture and fragrant filling.

Cooking Tips for perfect ขนมต้มกาแฟ

– Coffee strength: Use strong brewed coffee for clear coffee flavor. Instant espresso or concentrated drip coffee works well. Adjust the amount to get a dough that is pliable, not sticky.
– Dough texture: The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Add liquid slowly and test by rolling a small piece into a ball.
– Filling moisture: The coconut filling should be moist enough to hold together but not runny. Cook until the coconut is sticky and caramelized.
– Boiling care: Boil in plenty of water and stir gently after adding dumplings to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
– To toast coconut: Toast shredded coconut in a dry pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until golden — don’t burn it. This adds aroma and prevents the coating from tasting raw.
– Make-ahead: You can prepare the coconut filling and dough ahead. Store assembled but unboiled dumplings in the fridge for up to 24 hours, dusted with a little flour to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information (approximate) for ขนมต้มกาแฟ

Yield: about 20–24 dumplings. Serving size: 5 dumplings.

• Calories per serving (5 dumplings): ~300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~60 g
• Fat: ~9 g
• Protein: ~3 g
• Sugar: ~18 g (depends on amount/type of sugar used)

Note: These values are estimates. Exact nutrition depends on specific brands, portion sizes, and whether you use fresh or sweetened coconut. For dietary adjustments, reduce sugar in the filling or use light coconut.

Conclusion — Try ขนมต้มกาแฟ at Home

ขนมต้มกาแฟ is a charming and approachable Thai dessert that combines the comforting chew of glutinous rice with sweet coconut and a warm coffee aroma. With this simple recipe, beginners and home cooks can confidently make these coffee-flavored rice dumplings. Experiment with coffee strength, filling sweetness, and coatings to find your favorite version. Enjoy ขนมต้มกาแฟ warm with tea or coffee for a delightful homemade treat.