These fluffy, sweet pastries are made with a soft yeast dough and layered with sugar to create a lightly caramelized, delicate treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these pastries pair beautifully with coffee or tea. The layering technique ensures a buttery, flaky texture with a hint of sweetness in every bite.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 40 minutes
- Bake Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 pastries
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tsp dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar (for activating yeast) + extra for sprinkling layers
- 60 ml (¼ cup) lukewarm milk
- 2 eggs
- 150 g (5.3 oz) butter, melted
- 8 g (1 tbsp) vanilla sugar
- Salt, to taste
- ~350 g (2⅓ cups) all-purpose flour
- White or cane sugar, for sprinkling layers
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and lukewarm milk.
- Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes, until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour in the activated yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Rest the Dough:
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes, allowing it to rise.
- Roll and Layer with Sugar:
- Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a large flat layer.
- Sprinkle half of the dough with sugar.
- Fold the dough in half and roll it out again.
- Repeat this process two more times (sprinkle, fold, and roll).
- Cut the Dough:
- Once the dough has been folded and rolled multiple times, sprinkle the entire surface with sugar.
- Use a knife or pastry cutter to divide the dough into small pieces.
- Bake:
- Place dough pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow pastries to cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
- Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a fruit compote or jam for added flavor.
- Serve with a side of honey or chocolate sauce for dipping.
Cooking Tips
- For extra layers, repeat the sugar layering process a few more times.
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother dough texture.
- For a crunchier crust, brush the pastries with melted butter before baking.
- If you prefer softer pastries, cover them with a towel after baking to retain moisture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs provide protein and essential nutrients.
- Butter adds a rich, buttery flavor and moist texture.
- Yeast-based dough makes these pastries light and airy.
Dietary Information
- Contains dairy and gluten
- Not suitable for vegan diets (can be adapted with plant-based butter and egg replacers)
Nutritional Facts (Per Pastry)
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 8g
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough pieces for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes or in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, flaky, and lightly caramelized texture.
- Simple ingredients with a delicious, buttery flavor.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant dessert.
- Easy to customize with spices or different sugars.
Conclusion
These Fluffy Sugar-Layered Pastries are a delicious, homemade treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of buttery, soft layers and caramelized sugar makes these irresistible. Whether served warm with coffee or as a special dessert, these pastries will quickly become a household favorite. Try them today and enjoy homemade bakery-style goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes! Use 1 tsp instant yeast and skip the activation step.
- Can I add cinnamon or other spices? Absolutely! Sprinkle cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg between the layers.
- What sugar works best? White sugar gives a classic sweet taste, while cane sugar adds a light caramel flavor.
- How do I make these pastries even flakier? Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking for a firmer texture.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. Try using half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.
- Can I make this dough ahead of time? Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 12 hours before rolling.
- Can I make them dairy-free? Yes! Substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk.
- How do I prevent the pastries from drying out? Store in an airtight container or cover with a towel.
- Can I fill these pastries with something extra? Yes! Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or jam between the layers.
- How do I get a golden crust? Brush with melted butter or egg wash before baking.