Sunflower Seed Rolls Recipe

This delightful recipe for sunflower seed rolls combines the subtle sweetness of vanilla with the nutty flavor of roasted sunflower seeds. Perfect for brunch or as a snack, these rolls are both soft and slightly crunchy due to the combination of ingredients. The dough is enriched with butter, lending a rich, tender texture to the rolls. While the use of yeast might suggest a lengthy process, this recipe is remarkably efficient with a straightforward, refrigerator-based proving technique. You’ll enjoy not only their wonderful taste but also the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. Two types of sugar, regular and vanilla, add layers of sweetness, while a coat of whisked egg gives the rolls a beautiful golden glaze. These rolls highlight the brilliance of using everyday pantry items to create something special. As you bite into a roll, the perfectly roasted sunflower seeds offer a pleasant crunch that complements the soft, fluffy bread. Whether you're an experienced baker looking for something new or a beginner intrigued by yeast recipes, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2.5 - 3 cups wheat flour
• 50 g fresh yeast
• 150 g butter or margarine
• 3 - 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 - 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Rolls:

• Sugar
• Vanilla sugar
• Roasted, hulled sunflower seeds
• Whisked egg

Preparation Time

60 minutes (including preparation and baking time).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Start by warming the milk slightly. In the warm milk, dissolve the salt, sugar, and fresh yeast. Stir gently until everything is fully dissolved.
2. Add the Fats: Melt the butter or margarine gently in a small pan or microwave. Add the melted fat to the milk mixture and stir.
3. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually sift the wheat flour into the liquid mix. Begin by mixing with a spoon; then, as the dough thickens, switch to kneading with your hands.
4. Adjust the Consistency: Pour in the vegetable oil a little at a time while kneading. The dough should be supple but not sticky. If necessary, add extra flour if the dough feels too sticky or a bit more oil if it’s too dry.
5. Chill the Dough: Instead of letting the dough prove at room temperature, place it in the refrigerator or a cool place for half an hour. This method not only helps manage timing but also enhances the dough’s texture.
6. Prepare for Rolling: After chilling, take the dough out and roll it as thinly as possible on a lightly floured surface. The dough should roll easily without sticking.
7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the rolled-out dough with the whisked egg. You don’t need to be overly generous—a thin, even layer will suffice.
8. Sprinkle the Seeds: Scatter the roasted sunflower seeds evenly over the dough.
9. Sweeten: Follow by sprinkling the vanilla sugar and a modest amount of regular sugar over the dough. The sugar should adhere to the egg wash.
10. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one end, gently roll up the dough into a tight log.
11. Slice the Rolls: With a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into approximately 2 cm thick pieces.
12. Arrange on Baking Tray: Place these rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them as they will expand.
13. Shape the Rolls: Slightly raise the centers of each roll by pressing down gently on the sides. This enhances their shape during baking.
14. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
15. Check for Doneness: The rolls should have a lovely golden-brown color when they're done.
16. Serve Warm: Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm.

Tips

• Substitution: If fresh yeast is unavailable, you can use active dry yeast but adjust the quantity, as it's more concentrated. Use around 7 grams or one package.
• Roasting Seeds: Roasting the sunflower seeds in the oven for a few minutes before adding them provides a deeper flavor.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a warm spicy twist.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per roll
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 12g
• Carbs: 24g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Sweet Rolls: Add raisins or dried fruits for additional sweetness.
• Nut Substitute: Use chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts instead of sunflower seeds for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.
• Serve with a spread of cream cheese or homemade jam to complement their sweetness.
• For an indulgent treat, drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar and water or lemon juice.

Best Places

• Bakery Lorraine - Known for its artisanal approach to baking and delightful pastries. Location: 306 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, USA.
• Kaffeehaus - A cozy spot offering traditional and rustic bread. Location: Garnisongasse 7, Vienna, Austria.
• Tatte Bakery & Café - Famous for its homely atmosphere and creative pastries. Location: 70 Charles St, Boston, USA.
• Torrão Alegre Padaria - Offers a range of baked goods with a local twist. Location: R. Sao Joao, Porto, Portugal.
• Paul’s Bakery - Known for its fresh and delicious baked treats. Location: 29 Bedford St, London, UK.
• Momofuku Milk Bar - An innovative bakery with unique offerings. Location: 251 E 13th St, New York City, USA.
• The Gourmet Bakery - Specializes in traditional and international recipes. Location: 45 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
• Belcanto Café - Known for Portuguese breads and sweets. Location: R. Alexandre Herculano 118, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Bakery Vaduz - Offers a blend of traditional and innovative baked goods. Location: Städtle 17, Vaduz, Liechtenstein.
• Hansel & Pretzel - Combines Bavarian charm with modern baking techniques. Location: Hohenstaufenring 43, Cologne, Germany.

Enjoy baking these delightful sunflower seed rolls and exploring the best bakeries around the world!