Crispy Pastry Tubes with Creamy Cottage Cheese Filling

This delightful pastry dish combines a beautifully layered dough with a rich, creamy filling. These pastry tubes, with their crispy exterior and soft interior, make for a perfect dessert or afternoon snack. The process involves creating a buttery, flaky dough that encases a light, sweetened cottage cheese mixture. Patience and care in the preparation of the dough reward you with a richly textured pastry. The filling is mildly sweet, with a touch of vanilla and a hint of lemon, offering a refreshing balance to the buttery layers. Serve these pastries fresh out of the oven, dusted with powdered sugar. The aroma of these pastries baking is warm and inviting, making them perfect for cozy gatherings. Enjoy these with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a fulfilling treat. Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors and textures with every bite.

Ingredients

Dough

• 100 ml milk + 30 ml for brushing
• 7 g instant dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or regular)
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 30 g butter in dough and 150 g for laminating (do not substitute with margarine or shortening)
• Approximately 300 - 350 g flour
• 2 tsp gingerbread spice mixture

Filling

• 300 g cottage cheese
• 100 g sour cream
• Sugar to taste
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• A pinch of citric acid

Preparation Time

• Total: 180 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, and sugar. Stir in the warm milk and softened 30 g of butter until the mixture is smooth.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix 1.5 cups of flour with the yeast and gingerbread spices, then gradually combine with the liquid mixture. Add in the lemon zest.
3. Knead the Dough: Add enough flour to the mix until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. It should still be soft to the touch, as shown in reference images.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a warm area to rise for about 40 minutes.
5. Prepare Butter: While the dough rises, take 150 g of cold butter from the refrigerator. Roll it out between sheets of baking paper or plastic wrap into a rectangle approximately 0.5 cm thick. Place it in the freezer until the dough is ready.
6. Roll Out Dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle. Place the butter slab in the center; the butter should be smaller than the dough's area.
7. Fold the Dough: Fold the dough edges over the butter to wrap it like an envelope.
8. Laminate: Roll the dough out in one direction, away from and towards you, until it forms a long rectangle.
9. Fold and Chill: Fold the sides to the center, creating a square. Place the dough in the freezer for another 30 minutes.
10. Repeat Laminating Step: After chilling, roll out again and fold as before. Freeze for another 30 minutes.
11. Manage Butter Leakage: If butter leaks during rolling, lightly dust with flour to manage stickiness.
12. Final Roll: Roll out the dough one last time.
13. Cut and Shape: Roll the dough to about 5 mm thick and cut into strips.
14. Form Tubes: Wrap the strips around tube molds.
15. Prepare for Baking: Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush with milk or beaten egg.
16. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20 minutes.
17. Dust and Fill: Once baked, dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
18. Prepare the Filling: Blend the cottage cheese. Whip the sour cream with sugar, then mix in the cheese and vanilla sugar.
19. Fill the Tubes: The creamy filling should be light and airy but firm enough to stay inside the tubes.
20. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful pastries fresh with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips

• Chilling is Key: Ensure the dough and butter are adequately chilled to achieve the perfect layers.
• Smooth Filling: A hand blender is effective for a creamy, lump-free filling.
• Avoid Overfilling: When filling the tubes, add just enough to prevent spillage.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approx. 250 per serving
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbs: 24 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Lighter Filling: Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a slightly different texture.
• Spice Variation: Add cinnamon to the dough for a warmer flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fresh berries for a colorful, refreshing addition.
• Pair with whipped cream or a vanilla glaze drizzle for added sweetness.
• Enjoy with a cup of espresso or Chai tea for a delightful flavor contrast.

Best Places

• Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI - Known for exquisite pastries with a Japanese twist. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.
• Tartine Bakery - Popular for its elegant, freshly baked pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Oberlaa Confectionary - Renowned for traditional and modern Austrian desserts. Location: Neuer Markt 16, Vienna, Austria.
• Ladurée - Famous for its macaroons and delicate pastries. Location: 16-18 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
• Bageriet - A Swedish bakery offering authentic Scandinavian pastries. Location: 24 Rose St, London, UK.
• Pastéis de Belém - The iconic place for pastéis, a must-visit for sweet tooths. Location: R. de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Demel K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker - Offers a royal touch to your pastry indulgence. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Pierre Hermé - Celebrated for innovative and artistic pastry making. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Balthazar Bakery - Combines French patisserie with a touch of American tradition. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
• Pasteli Bakery - A hidden gem in the heart of Athens with Greek specialties. Location: Adrianou 43, Athens, Greece.