These Cream-Filled Sweet Rolls are fluffy, soft, and indulgent, filled with a rich, creamy custard filling. The dough is light and airy, and the rolls are topped with a golden glaze and optional almond blossoms for an added touch of elegance. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a dessert, or with a cup of coffee, these rolls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Preparation, Cooking, and Total Times:
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Cuisine: Pastry, Breakfast, Dessert
Ingredients:
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 300 g (1 1/4 cups) milk
For the Dough:
- 200 g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) warm milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons warm butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) sifted flour
- Chocolate chips (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk
- A little milk
- Almond blossoms (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:
1. Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 egg, 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 300 g of milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat, cover with a lid to prevent a skin from forming, and set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine 200 g warm milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Add lemon zest, 3 tablespoons warm butter, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add 300 g sifted flour and mix until a soft, smooth dough forms. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the flour.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a thin rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the cooled cream filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the cream filling for an extra burst of sweetness.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
- Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 15 minutes to allow the dough to rise a little more.
4. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix the egg yolk with a little milk and brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with almond blossoms if desired for a decorative touch.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch before serving.
- Serve the rolls warm for the best experience, and enjoy the creamy filling with a cup of coffee or tea.
Serving Suggestions:
-
With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:
These sweet rolls are perfect for pairing with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. -
Serve with Fruit:
Serve the rolls with some fresh fruit like berries or orange slices for a balanced meal. -
For Dessert:
These sweet rolls make a great dessert after a hearty meal, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. -
With Whipped Cream or Mascarpone:
Top the rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Tips:
-
Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Overmixing the dough can lead to tough rolls. Mix just enough to bring everything together and knead gently. -
Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
Make sure your milk and butter are at room temperature before mixing them into the dough for better incorporation. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Be patient and let the dough rise fully. This step is crucial to ensuring light, fluffy rolls. -
Avoid Overbaking:
Keep an eye on the rolls in the oven to prevent them from becoming too brown. They should be golden on top and soft in the middle. -
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the dough and cream filling ahead of time. Simply assemble the rolls, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them the next day for a fresh, warm treat.
Variations to Try:
-
Add Nuts:
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor. -
Fruit Filling:
Replace the cream filling with a fruit compote or jam, like blueberry jam or apple cinnamon filling for a fruity twist. -
Make it Vegan:
To make the recipe vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute for the egg yolk. -
Lemon Glaze:
For a zesty twist, add a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to drizzle over the warm rolls. -
Cinnamon Sugar:
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the dough before rolling it up for a cinnamon-sugar variation.
Conclusion:
These Cream-Filled Sweet Rolls are the perfect balance of fluffy dough, creamy custard filling, and a golden, sweet topping. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, they are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Customize them with different fillings, toppings, or flavors to make them uniquely yours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
-
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen for 35-40 minutes. -
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the day before, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning. -
Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! You can fill these rolls with chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or even a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a different flavor. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes to refresh them. -
Can I add icing on top?
Yes, a simple vanilla icing or cream cheese frosting would pair wonderfully with these rolls for an extra sweet touch.