This recipe produces incredibly soft, pillow-like rolls that can be stuffed with cheese or chocolate.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 3 ½ cups (sifted)
- Warm milk: 1 cup
- Instant yeast: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 3 tbsp
- Yogurt: 2 tbsp (at room temperature, makes it extra fluffy)
- Vegetable oil: ¼ cup
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: A pinch
For the Filling & Topping:
- Filling: Cream cheese cubes (like Kiri) or chocolate chunks.
- Egg wash: 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tsp of milk and a drop of vinegar.
- Garnish: Sesame seeds or nigella seeds.
- Glaze: Simple syrup or honey (to drizzle after baking).
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, yogurt, and oil. Pour in the yeast mixture.
- Knead: Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape & Stuff: Punch down the dough. Divide it into small, equal-sized balls (about the size of a walnut). Flatten each ball slightly, place a piece of cheese or chocolate in the center, and seal it tightly back into a ball.
- Arrange: Place the balls in a greased round baking pan, leaving a very small gap between them (they will grow and join together to look like a honeycomb).
- Second Rise: Cover the pan and let them rest for another 20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Finish: As soon as you take them out of the oven, drizzle with honey or simple syrup while they are still hot for a beautiful shine and sweet taste.
Tips for Success
- Warmth is key: Make sure the milk is warm to the touch but not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
