Vdolky - Czech Sweet Bread Rolls

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) potato flour 50g (1/4 cup) potato flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, potato flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes 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 about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
8. 8.
   Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust the rolls with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• All-purpose flour — Make sure to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This will prevent the rolls from becoming dense.
• Potato flour — Potato flour adds lightness to the rolls. If you can't find potato flour, you can substitute it with cornstarch or tapioca flour.
• Instant yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date. If your yeast doesn't foam when mixed with warm milk, it may be inactive, and the rolls won't rise properly.
• Warm milk — The milk should be warm to the touch but not hot. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast.
• Vanilla extract — Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Avoid using imitation vanilla, as it may alter the taste of the rolls.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough before shaping the rolls.
• To achieve a glossy finish on the rolls, brush them with a beaten egg before baking.
• Serve the Vdolky warm with a dollop of butter or your favorite jam for a delightful breakfast treat.
• These rolls are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough.

Serving advice

Serve the Vdolky warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own, but you can also enjoy them with butter, jam, or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Vdolky on a serving platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. The contrast between the white sugar and golden brown rolls will make them visually appealing.