Branzoici

Sweet cheese branzoici - a nostalgic and delicious recipe

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 branzoici

Who doesn’t fondly remember the enticing aroma of freshly baked branzoici? These delicious sweet cheese pastries are a symbol of childhood for many of us, evoking pleasant memories of family meals and moments spent with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack between meals, or even as dessert, branzoici are a perfect choice, full of flavor and with a soft, fluffy texture.

Here’s how to prepare these wonderful branzoici, step by step, to enjoy a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 700 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 ml oil
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 4 tablespoons sugar

For the filling:
- 400 g sweet cheese (ideally, use fresh, high-quality cheese)
- 100 g raisins (you can choose golden or black raisins, depending on your preference)
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- 1 egg for brushing (to achieve a golden and shiny crust)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, as this process aerates the flour and helps achieve a fluffier dough. In a small cup, add the fresh yeast along with a teaspoon of sugar and mix well. Add 3 tablespoons of lukewarm milk, stirring until the yeast is completely dissolved.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
Pour the yeast mixture over the flour, then add the remaining milk mixed with the remaining sugar, the two eggs, and the oil. Begin kneading the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. A good idea is to add a little flour if the dough becomes too sticky, but avoid adding too much to prevent it from becoming dense.

3. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until its volume doubles. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and airy branzoici.

4. Preparing the filling:
In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the sweet cheese with one egg, the 4 tablespoons of sugar, and the vanilla sugar. Add the raisins and, optionally, a little grated lemon zest for extra flavor. Mix well until you achieve a smooth composition.

5. Shaping the branzoici:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a thick sheet of about 1 cm. Cut the dough into equal-sized squares, approximately 10x10 cm. On each square, place a teaspoon of filling, then gather the corners of the square and seal them well, forming small packets.

6. Baking:
Place the branzoici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to allow for rising. Brush each branzoica with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Let them rise in the tray for a few minutes, then bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden and beautifully browned.

7. Finishing:
Once they have cooled slightly, dust the branzoici with powdered sugar and serve them warm. They will surely be a delight for everyone who tastes them!

Practical tips

- Choosing the cheese: A quality cheese makes a significant difference. Use fresh cheese, preferably from local producers, for an authentic taste.
- Raisins: If you wish, you can soak the raisins in rum or warm water for 15 minutes before adding them to the filling to make them juicier.
- Variations: Experiment with alternative fillings, such as cottage cheese mixed with chocolate or fruit jams, to give a personalized touch to the branzoici.
- Serving: These branzoici pair wonderfully with aromatic tea or a cappuccino, perfect for a relaxing brunch or a gathering with friends.

Nutritional information

One serving of branzoici (1 medium branzoica) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They provide a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, thanks to the flour and cheese, but moderate consumption is recommended to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 10 g of dry yeast and follow the same activation process.

2. How do I keep the branzoici fresh?
Branzoici can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them and bake them later to enjoy them fresh.

3. Can branzoici be made without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of water and oil or with an egg substitute product if you want to make a vegan version.

Enjoy these fluffy branzoici, full of memories and flavor, and let them become a part of your family meals! Bon appétit!