These fluffy, sweet pastries are made with a soft yeast dough, layered with sugar to create a lightly caramelized and delicate treat. Perfect for breakfast or a snack with coffee or tea!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 40 minutes (total)
- Bake Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- Dry yeast: 1.5 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp (for activating yeast) + extra for sprinkling layers
- Milk: 60 ml (¼ cup, lukewarm)
- Eggs: 2
- Butter: 150 g (5.3 oz), melted
- Vanilla sugar: 8 g (1 tbsp)
- Salt: to taste
- Flour: ~350 g (2⅓ cups)
- White or cane sugar: for sprinkling layers
Directions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and lukewarm milk.
- Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing well 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:
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large flat layer on a lightly floured surface.
- Sprinkle half of the dough layer with sugar.
- Fold the dough in half and roll it out again.
- Repeat this process two more times: sprinkle sugar on half the dough, fold it in half, and roll it out.
- Cut the Dough:
- Once the dough has been folded and rolled multiple times, sprinkle the entire surface with sugar (white or cane).
- Divide the dough into small pieces using a knife or pastry cutter.
- Bake:
- Place the dough pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and lightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these pastries warm, with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a sweeter presentation.
- These can also be enjoyed with a side of jam or honey for extra sweetness.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm (around 37°C/98°F) to properly activate the yeast.
- Be mindful of the oven’s temperature, as it can affect baking time. Keep an eye on the pastries towards the end of the baking process to prevent over-browning.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar between layers depending on your desired sweetness.
Nutritional Benefits:
- The butter and eggs provide richness, making these pastries fluffy and tender.
- Yeast dough is a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Storage:
- Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute dry yeast with fresh yeast. Use about 15 g of fresh yeast for this recipe.
- What type of sugar works best for sprinkling? Both white granulated sugar and cane sugar work well. You can also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Can I add cinnamon or other spices? Absolutely! You can add cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the sugar layers for added flavor.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may become denser.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
- What can I serve with these pastries? These are great on their own but also pair well with fruit preserves, whipped cream, or honey.
- How do I prevent the pastries from becoming too dry? Be careful not to overbake the pastries. Check them at the 15-minute mark to see if they are golden and cooked through.
- Can I make these pastries vegan? You can substitute the eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and vegan butter.
- Can I add fillings to the dough? Yes, you can add a filling like chocolate, cinnamon, or even jam between the layers for an extra treat.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough after rolling it out and dividing it into pieces. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.