Balkan-style Sweet Cheese Rolls

Ingredients

In this Balkan adaptation, we have replaced the traditional French pastry dough with a lighter and flakier Balkan-style dough. The filling has been modified to include sweet cheese commonly used in Balkan desserts, giving it a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we have added a hint of vanilla to enhance the sweetness and aroma of the rolls. We alse have the original recipe for Pets de Sœurs, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 1 cup (250g) sweet cheese (such as feta or ricotta) 1 cup (250g) sweet cheese (such as feta or ricotta)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (11g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly until smooth, then shape it into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sweet cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
6. 6.
   Spread the sweet cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
8. 8.
   Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
9. 9.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet cheese — Make sure to use a soft and creamy sweet cheese, such as feta or ricotta, for the filling. This will give the rolls a rich and smooth texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey over the sweet cheese filling before rolling the dough.
• Serve the Balkan-style sweet cheese rolls warm for a gooey and comforting treat.
• These rolls can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Experiment with different types of sweet cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Dust the rolls with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan-style sweet cheese rolls as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the warm sweet cheese rolls on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.