Apple-Filled Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• Sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Apples – 3 medium (peeled and grated)
• Cinnamon – to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
• Butter – 1 tablespoon

For the Dough:

• Flour – 270-280 grams (about 2 1/4 cups)
• Baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Butter – 100 grams (7 tablespoons, cold)
• Yogurt (or sour cream) – 200 grams (3/4 cup)
• Egg – 1 large
• Sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt – a pinch

For Finishing:

• Powdered sugar – for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • Peel and grate the apples.
   • Cook over medium heat until the apples soften and the liquid evaporates, about 5-7 minutes. Set the mixture aside to cool.
   • In a pan, melt the butter, then add the grated apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Make the Dough:
   • In a bowl, combine the flour (270-280g), baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
   • Add the cold butter (100g) to the flour mixture and use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles crumbs.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt (or sour cream), egg, sugar, and vanilla.
   • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Shape the Rolls:
   • Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
   • Cut each rolled-out piece into 8 triangular segments (like pizza slices).
   • Place a small spoonful of the cooled apple filling at the wide end of each triangle.
   • Roll out each portion into a thin layer on a floured surface (about 1/4 inch thick).
   • Roll the dough from the wide end to the narrow tip, forming crescent-shaped rolls.
4. Bake the Rolls:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and fully cooked.
   • Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Allow the rolls to cool slightly, then sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the apple-filled rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.
• Add a drizzle of caramel or honey on top for extra sweetness.

Cooking Tips:

• If you want a richer flavor, substitute yogurt with sour cream.
• Use cold butter for the dough to create a crumbly texture that leads to a tender, flaky roll.
• For a fun variation, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for extra crunch.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Yogurt or sour cream contributes to a moist dough and provides probiotics for gut health.
• Apples add fiber and natural sweetness while being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels while enhancing the flavor of the filling.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian
• Customizable: For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour blends.
• Refined sugar-free option: Use a natural sweetener like honey or stevia in place of sugar.

Nutritional Facts (per roll, based on 16 rolls):

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to restore freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake (or reheat) as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• They are easy to prepare and make a great treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
• These rolls are incredibly tender and fragrant, with a perfect balance of soft dough and sweet apple filling.
• The recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust fillings and flavors to your preference.
• The combination of cinnamon, apples, and buttery dough makes these rolls comforting and irresistible.

10 Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion
These Apple-Filled Rolls are a delightful blend of soft, tender dough and a fragrant apple-cinnamon filling. Quick to prepare and bake, they make an excellent addition to your baking routine, whether for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. Their light sweetness and the subtle spice of cinnamon make them the perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later, these rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.

1. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
   Yes, you can use pears, peaches, or a mix of berries as an alternative to apples.
2. Can I use sugar substitutes?
   Yes, stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener are good alternatives to sugar.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling it out.
4. What type of apples are best for this recipe?
   Tart apples like Granny Smith work well, but you can use any variety you prefer.
5. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
   Yes, freeze the shaped rolls and bake them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
6. How do I keep the dough from sticking while rolling?
   Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, and keep the butter cold when making the dough.
7. Can I make these rolls vegan?
   Yes, use plant-based yogurt and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia with 3 tablespoons water).
8. How long will the rolls stay fresh?
   They can stay fresh at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
9. Can I use puff pastry instead of making dough?
   Yes, puff pastry works well and will give you a flakier texture, but the taste and texture will differ slightly.
10. Can I add nuts to the filling?
    Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling will add a lovely crunch.

Enjoy