Apple-Filled Sweet Rolls

Apple-filled sweet rolls are a delightful pastry perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet breakfast. These rolls are made with a flaky, buttery dough that encompasses a delectable apple filling, providing a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The dough is enriched with milk and butter, ensuring a rich taste and tender crumb. Meanwhile, the apple filling, dashed with sugar and coconut shreds, adds a tropical twist to the classic apple and cinnamon combo. The process of preparing the dough involves multiple foldings and chilling, which results in the characteristic layers of a croissant-like texture. These sweet rolls are incredibly satisfying, both for making and eating. Their golden-brown crust and moist filling make them not just a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Several tips and variations can be employed to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. These pastries are sure to impress at any gathering or to enjoy leisurely with a cup of coffee or tea. They're incredibly versatile and can be served plain or with additional toppings like powdered sugar or chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 100 ml milk (plus 30 ml for brushing)
• 7 g dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or regular)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 30 g butter (for dough)
• 150 g butter (for layering)
• 300 - 350 g flour

Filling:

• Apples
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Coconut shreds

Preparation Time

Total Time: 3 hours (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, salt, and sugar. Stir in the warm milk and softened butter (30 g) until you achieve a smooth mixture.
2. Mix 1.5 cups of flour with yeast and add to the liquid mixture.
3. Gradually add flour until the dough is no longer sticky, being careful not to make it too dry.
4. Knead the dough thoroughly for about 8 minutes.
5. Place the dough into a sealed bag and let it rise in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
6. While the dough is rising, mix 150 g cold butter with 1 tbsp flour. Place the butter mixture on baking paper.
7. Fold the baking paper into a square envelope, encasing the butter.
8. Roll the butter into a flat, even square.
9. Place the butter square in the freezer until needed.
10. Make a cross-cut in the middle of the dough and fold the sides outward to form a square.
11. Roll the dough into a rectangle and place the chilled butter square in the center.
12. Fold one side of the dough over the butter, followed by the other side to the center.
13. Press the edges together to seal the dough.
14. Roll along the dough with a rolling pin to make it easier to roll out later.
15. Flip the dough and repeat the rolling process on the other side.
16. Slowly roll the dough into a rectangle in one direction.
17. Fold one edge to the center and cover it with the opposite edge.
18. Freeze for 25 minutes.
19. Lightly dust with flour, then roll out the dough and fold as before.
20. Freeze for another 25 minutes.
21. Repeat the rolling and folding process a third time with a final freeze.
22. Roll the dough into a rectangle once more, then cut into triangles.
23. Make a slit on the bottom edge of each triangle for easier rolling.
24. Create the filling by grating apples and mixing them with sugar, coconut, and cornstarch.
25. Roll the triangles into crescents with the filling inside.
26. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
27. Brush the tops with either milk or beaten egg white after rising.
28. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.
29. Once baked, let the sweet rolls cool slightly before serving.
30. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.

Tips

• Use cold butter for better layer formation.
• Chill the dough between folds to maintain the consistency of the layers.
• Substitute coconut shreds with chopped nuts for a different texture.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling for variation.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 200 per roll
• Protein: 3g
• Fats: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Variations

• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
• Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Use egg replacer and dairy-free options.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Best Places

1. The Pastry Corner - Known for its delightful selection of pastries. Location: 234 Pastry St, New York, USA.
2. Café Sweet Treats - Offers a wide variety of sweet rolls. Location: 45 Dessert Lane, Paris, France.
3. Baker's Paradise - Famous for its innovative fillings. Location: 76 Baker Blvd, London, UK.
4. The Pastry Lab - Combines traditional and modern techniques. Location: 89 Dough Road, Toronto, Canada.
5. Roll Bliss Bakery - Specializes in a range of flavored sweet rolls. Location: 101 Croissant Ave, Melbourne, Australia.
6. Sweet Sensations Café - Known for its unique apple fillings. Location: 33 Apple St, Wellington, New Zealand.
7. Delightful Bakes - Offers gluten-free options. Location: 52 Delight Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
8. Petite Serene Patisserie - Features a quaint atmosphere with exquisite pastries. Location: 878 Slice Blvd, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
9. La Dolce Vita Bakery - Boasts a sweet aroma with a variety of pastries. Location: 12 Sweet St, Rome, Italy.
10. Konditori Bliss - Famous for its Scandinavian sweet rolls. Location: 64 Roll Way, Stockholm, Sweden.