Róża karnawałowa - Polish Carnival Rose Pastries

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 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) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (80g) fruit preserves (such as raspberry or strawberry) 1/4 cup (80g) fruit preserves (such as raspberry or strawberry)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 kJ
• Fat: 12g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 24g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. 6.
   Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into strips, approximately 2 inches wide.
7. 7.
   Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each strip of dough. Spoon a small amount of fruit preserves onto one end of each strip.
8. 8.
   Carefully roll up each strip, starting from the end with the fruit preserves, to create a rose shape. Place the roses on the prepared baking sheet.
9. 9.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cream cheese — Make sure to soften the cream cheese at room temperature before using it in the filling. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• Fruit preserves — Choose high-quality fruit preserves with a thick consistency to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a flaky texture, make sure the butter is cold and cubed before incorporating it into the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a bit more powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves to create a variety of flavors.
• Dust the pastries with powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their visual appeal.
• Serve Róża karnawałowa with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Serving advice

Serve Róża karnawałowa as a dessert or a sweet snack. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Róża karnawałowa on a platter, showcasing their beautiful rose shapes. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider adding a sprig of mint or a drizzle of fruit sauce for a pop of color.