Apple Rolls

Apple Rolls – a delicious and comforting choice

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of caramelized apples and cinnamon wafting through the house? Apple rolls are a delicious and less conventional version of classic apple pie, offering a fluffy texture and a juicy filling. This recipe is not only simple but can also become an unforgettable memory in your kitchen.

The history of apple rolls is lost in the mists of time, but it is believed they emerged as a way to transform apples – an accessible and abundant fruit – into a delightful dessert that is easy to prepare and serve.

Now, let’s embark together on a culinary adventure and discover how we can make these delicious rolls!

Ingredients

For the dough
- 210 ml warm milk
- 360 g wheat flour
- ½ cube of fresh yeast (approximately 20 g)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to activate the yeast)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust to your taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast and sugar (if using) to the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the oil and mix with a spatula or your hands until you get a soft dough.
3. Kneading: Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If it's too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
4. Rising the dough: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Grating the apples: While the dough rises, wash the apples, peel them (if preferred), and grate them on a large grater.
2. Mixing the filling: In a bowl, mix the grated apples with the sugar and cinnamon. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to release the juices from the apples.

Step 3: Forming the rolls
1. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions. On a floured work surface, roll each portion into a rectangle (about 30 x 20 cm).
2. Adding the filling: Spread the apple filling over half of the rectangle, leaving the edge free.
3. Rolling: Roll the dough from the side with the filling to the free edge, forming a tight cylinder.
4. Fringing: Cut off a third of the remaining dough at the free edge with a knife, then take these strips and stretch them by hand over the roll for a decorative effect.

Step 4: Baking
1. Preparing the tray: Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them (about 2 cm) to allow them to rise.
2. Brushing with egg: Beat an egg and brush the rolls with it to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

Step 5: Serving
Let the rolls cool for a few minutes on a rack, then serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These apple rolls are perfect to enjoy with a fragrant tea or a steaming cup of coffee.

Helpful tips
- Filling variations: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture.
- Citrus flavor: Add a teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the apple filling for a fresh taste.
- Adjusting sweetness: Taste the apples before adding sugar, as some varieties are sweeter than others.

Nutritional information
Each serving of apple rolls contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the rolls and the amount of sugar used. They are a good source of fiber due to the apples, and cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other fruits?: Absolutely! The rolls can be filled with pears, peaches, or even cherries, depending on the season and preferences.
- How can I store the rolls?: Keep the rolls in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them to enjoy later.

These apple rolls are not just a dessert but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table. Cook them with love and enjoy every bite!