Bratislava Crescent Rolls

Recipe

Bratislava Crescent Rolls

Slovak Delight: Bratislava Crescent Rolls

Bratislava Crescent Rolls are a traditional Slovak pastry that originated in the city of Bratislava. These delightful crescent-shaped rolls are made with a sweet yeast dough and filled with a delicious mixture of ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. They are a popular treat during holidays and special occasions in Slovakia.

Jan Dec

30 minutes

15-20 minutes

1 hour 50 minutes

12 servings

Medium

Vegetarian, Nut-free (if walnuts are substituted), Soy-free, Egg-free, Lactose-free (if dairy-free substitutes are used)

Dairy (butter, milk), Nuts (walnuts)

Vegan (contains dairy), Gluten-free (contains wheat flour)

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. 2.
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  3. 3.
    Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
  4. 4.
    Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. 5.
    In a separate bowl, mix together the ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling.
  6. 6.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. 7.
    Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
  8. 8.
    Spread a generous amount of the walnut filling onto each circle of dough.
  9. 9.
    Cut each circle into triangles and roll them up from the wider end to form crescent shapes.
  10. 10.
    Place the crescent rolls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool completely.
  12. 12.
    Dust the cooled rolls with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Walnuts — Make sure to finely grind the walnuts for a smooth and even filling.
  • Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to achieve a good rise in the dough.
  • Butter — Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the dough for easier incorporation.
  • Milk — Warm the milk to a temperature of around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
  • Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before dusting the rolls for a more even and attractive appearance.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a variation, add a handful of raisins or chopped dried fruits to the walnut filling.
  • Serve the Bratislava Crescent Rolls warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, sprinkle some additional sugar on top of the rolls before baking.
  • Store the leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • These rolls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Bratislava Crescent Rolls as a delightful breakfast pastry or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Bratislava Crescent Rolls on a serving platter, dust them generously with powdered sugar, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant presentation.