Cheese pastries
Branzoaicele are a true delicacy that takes us down memory lane to our childhood, when the warm aromas of freshly baked muffins filled our home with joy. These cheese-filled pastries are so versatile that they can become the stars of any meal, and today I will share with you the classic recipe and some tricks to help you prepare them perfectly!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12 branzoaice
Ingredients needed
For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 50 g of fresh yeast (one cube)
- 100 g of melted and cooled butter
- 200 ml of lukewarm milk
- 3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 100 g of sugar
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla sugar (optional)
For the filling:
- 500 g of cream cheese (preferably cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 1 egg
- 200 g of sugar
- vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon of flour
For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
Preparing the yeast
Start by preparing the yeast, an essential step for getting a fluffy and airy dough. In a small bowl, combine 50 g of fresh yeast with 200 ml of lukewarm milk. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of flour. Mix well and let it rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbles appear.
Preparing the dough
Once the yeast is ready, in a large bowl, combine 1 kg of flour, 100 g of sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla sugar (if using). Make a well in the center and add the yeast, melted and cooled butter, sour cream, and the 2 eggs. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the remaining flour until you get a homogeneous dough that no longer sticks to your hands.
Kneading the dough
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes. Then, put it in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, preferably near a heat source, for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine 500 g of cream cheese with 200 g of sugar, 1 egg, vanilla essence, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture. You can use a mixer for a fine texture, but you can also do it with a spatula if you prefer a more rustic filling.
Shaping the branzoaice
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a knife or a cutting tool to cut squares of about 10 cm. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the square to form an envelope, sealing the edges well to prevent them from opening during baking. Place the branzoaice on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Brushing and baking
In a small bowl, mix 2 egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Brush each branzoaică with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the branzoaice for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy.
Cooling and serving
Once ready, let the branzoaice cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. You can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a more festive appearance. These delicious branzoaice pair perfectly with a glass of buttermilk or yogurt, but can also be enjoyed with a cup of fragrant tea.
Nutritional benefits
Branzoaice provide a moderate caloric intake, considering the ingredients used. Each branzoaică has about 300 calories, but also offers protein from the eggs and cheese, as well as essential calcium for bone health. It is an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Variations and tips
If you want to experiment, you can add raisins or chocolate to the filling for a sweet and interesting taste. You can also use feta cheese or goat cheese for a more intense flavor. Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier version, and for a more exotic taste, add lemon or orange zest to the filling.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 15 g, and the rising time may be slightly longer.
2. How can I keep the branzoaice fresh? Once cooled, you can keep the branzoaice in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze them to enjoy later.
3. Can I use lactose-free cheese? Yes, you can opt for lactose-free cheese, so you can enjoy this recipe even if you are lactose intolerant.
So, embark on a culinary adventure and prepare these delicious branzoaice! Each bite will bring a smile to your face and those of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 1 cube of yeast (50 g), 100 g melted and cooled butter, 200 ml lukewarm milk, 3 tablespoons sour cream, 2 eggs, 100 g sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla sugar. FILLING: 500 g cream cheese, 1 egg, 200 g sugar, vanilla essence, 1 tablespoon flour. FOR GREASING: 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons milk.
