Moroccan Honey-Spiced Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground anise 1 teaspoon ground anise
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange blossom water 1/4 cup (60ml) orange blossom water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 39g, 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, warm milk, orange blossom water, and honey.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into equal-sized portions. Shape each portion into a round roll.
7. 7.
   Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Brush the rolls with a beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
10. 10.
    Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange blossom water — Use a good quality orange blossom water to ensure a fragrant flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for floral notes.
• Anise — If you prefer a milder anise flavor, reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of raisins or chopped almonds to the dough before shaping the rolls.
• Serve the Krachel warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
• These rolls freeze well, so you can make a batch in advance and reheat them when needed.
• If you don't have orange blossom water, you can substitute it with rose water for a different floral twist.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile of the rolls.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan Honey-Spiced Rolls as a delightful breakfast treat or as an accompaniment to afternoon tea. They are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Krachel rolls on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance. Serve them alongside a pot of Moroccan mint tea for a visually appealing and authentic presentation.