Croissants

Crescent Rolls with Turkish Delight: A Traditional and Delicious Recipe

Crescent rolls with Turkish delight are a classic dessert, loved by everyone, that evokes pleasant childhood memories. Whether you enjoy them with family, at a festive dinner, or simply as a sweet snack alongside a cup of tea, these mini-delights are always an inspired choice. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step so that you can achieve fluffy and aromatic crescent rolls filled with Turkish delight.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 crescent rolls

Ingredients:

- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups melted lard (or butter)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Flavors (vanilla, rum, or lemon) - to taste
- Flour - as needed (approximately 1-1.5 kg)
- Turkish delight - cut into small cubes
- Powdered sugar - for decoration

Preparing the dough:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast cube in 100 ml of lukewarm milk (make sure the milk is not hot, as it could kill the yeast). Let it sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted lard (or butter), beaten eggs, the rest of the milk, salt, and chosen flavors. Mix well until smooth.

3. Adding the flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing constantly. Continue adding flour until you obtain a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It is important not to overdo it with the flour, as the crescent rolls need to remain fluffy.

4. Kneading the dough: Sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential, as developing the gluten will help the crescent rolls have a perfect texture.

5. Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Shaping the crescent rolls:

1. Preparing the filling: Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes so that it is easy to wrap in the dough.

2. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, twist it slightly to release the air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Cover them with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

3. Shaping the crescent rolls: Take a piece of dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a circle. Cut the circle into 8-12 triangles, depending on how large you want the crescent rolls to be. Place a piece of Turkish delight at the base of each triangle and roll it up gently, starting from the base to the tip, forming a crescent roll.

4. Placing on the tray: Arrange the crescent rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise during baking.

Baking:

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Baking the crescent rolls: Bake the crescent rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. It is important not to leave them in the oven too long to avoid drying out.

3. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar. This will add a sweet touch and make the crescent rolls look more appetizing.

Serving suggestions and variations:

Crescent rolls with Turkish delight are excellent served warm, but can also be stored for several days in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed plain, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or with a glass of cold milk!

If you want to experiment, you can replace the Turkish delight with fruit jams, chocolate, or chopped nuts, creating a variety of flavors. You can also add cinnamon to the powdered sugar for an even more delicious taste.

Useful tips:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- If you want fluffier crescent rolls, let them rise again after shaping for 20-30 minutes.
- You can experiment with different flavors and fillings to customize the recipe to your liking.

Nutritional benefits:

Crescent rolls with Turkish delight are a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The lard or butter in the recipe contributes to healthy fat intake, while the eggs provide essential proteins and vitamins. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the calorie content.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use margarine instead of lard?
Yes, margarine is a good alternative, but the taste will be slightly different. Choose a quality margarine for the best results.

2. What can I use instead of Turkish delight?
You can use fillings like jams, chocolate, or chopped nuts, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I store the crescent rolls?
Crescent rolls can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

4. Can I make the dough in advance?
Of course! The dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it.

Crescent rolls with Turkish delight are a wonderful choice for any occasion, bringing a touch of nostalgia and joy in every bite. I hope this detailed recipe inspires you to make and enjoy them with your loved ones. Enjoy!