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In a small bowl, combine the warm water and milk. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re adding shredded coconut to the dough, mix it in at this stage.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Custard Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour some of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Cook over low heat until the custard thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let it cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12x8 inches in size.
Spread the custard evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough up tightly from one edge to the other, sealing the seam.
Cut the rolled dough into 12 even slices. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded coconut.
Bake the Rolls:
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes, or until they puff up.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Serve:
Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving and Storage Tips
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