Muffins, walnut roses

Rose muffins with nuts - a delight that combines the sweet aroma of nuts with the fluffy texture of brioche dough. These treats are not just a simple dessert, but a true feast for the senses, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. In this captivating recipe, I will guide you step by step in preparing these rose muffins, explaining every detail and offering useful tips to achieve the best results.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Your basic ingredients:
- 500 g sifted flour
- 150 g sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 80 ml oil + 1 tablespoon melted margarine
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 50 g butter (for greasing)
- Ground nuts or poppy seeds (to taste)
- Cinnamon
- Sugar (for sprinkling)

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Add a tablespoon of sugar and one of flour. Mix gently and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the key to a fluffy and well-risen dough.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl or a bread machine, add the remaining ingredients: sifted flour, sugar, egg yolks, oil, melted margarine, and salt. After that, add the activated yeast mixture. If using a bread machine, select the kneading program. If kneading by hand, mix the ingredients and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

Step 3: Let the dough rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. A trick to speed up the rising process is to place the dough in an oven preheated to 30 degrees Celsius, with the door slightly ajar.

Step 4: Shaping the muffins
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle a mixture of ground nuts, cinnamon, and sugar. You can adjust the quantities according to your preferences, but don’t hesitate to add more cinnamon for a more intense flavor.

Step 5: Cutting the triangles
Cut the dough into irregular triangles. They don’t have to be perfect, but rather have a rustic look. Place each triangle on a greased muffin tray (both inside and outside) and form a small rosebud in the center of each portion by rolling the triangles from their base.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the muffin tray in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until they are golden and fluffy. You can check if they are done by poking them with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Step 7: Serving
Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tray, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. These rose muffins are delicious warm, but also at room temperature. You can serve them plain or sprinkle with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Serving suggestion:
These muffins pair perfectly with a cup of winter tea or a creamy cappuccino, bringing a touch of warmth to chilly days.

Variations and useful tips:
1. Dried fruits: Add raisins or dried cherries to the nut filling for a fruity note.
2. Chocolate: Instead of nuts, you can add chopped chocolate for a decadent flavor.
3. Glaze: A simple glaze made from sugar and water can make these muffins even more appealing.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with 8 g of dry yeast. Mix it with the flour at the beginning.
- How do I keep the muffins fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for longer.

Nutritional benefits:
These muffins are rich in carbohydrates from the flour, providing quick energy. The nuts bring healthy fats and protein, and cinnamon not only adds flavor but is also known for its antioxidant properties.

Now that you have all the details, all that’s left is to get cooking! I wish you plenty of inspiration and success in the kitchen! These rose muffins with nuts are not just a dessert, but also a way to bring joy into the lives of your loved ones.