Amina's Grandmother's Cozonaci
Aina's Grandma's Sweet Rolls: A Recipe with Heart and Flavor
Aina's grandma's sweet rolls are more than just a simple recipe; they are a story, a ritual, a moment when the family gathers to enjoy a traditional delicacy. These soft and aromatic rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or simply a weekend day when you want to indulge. It is a simple recipe that can be easily made, even by beginners, while also allowing you to add a personal touch. I invite you to discover this sweet roll recipe and bring it into your kitchen.
Preparation time: 1 hour
Rising time: 40-50 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4 rolls
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 900 g flour
- 330 g Rama margarine or butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 packets of dry yeast (about 14 g)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm milk
For the walnut filling:
- 600 g ground walnuts
- 400 g sugar
- 1 cup of hot milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum (optional)
- 1 packet of vanilla
Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by bringing all the ingredients to room temperature, preferably the night before. This step will improve the texture of the dough.
2. Mixing the dough ingredients: In a large bowl, place the soft margarine (or butter) and sugar. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and fluffy cream. Add the egg yolks and salt, continuing to mix.
3. Dissolving the yeast: In another container, mix the flour with the dry yeast. This will ensure an even distribution of the yeast in the dough. It is important to mix the flour with the yeast about 15 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
4. Incorporating the milk: Heat the milk until warm (not hot) and gradually add it to the margarine mixture. Mix well until combined.
5. Forming the dough: Gradually add the flour and yeast mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This process may take 10-15 minutes. If you have a dough hook mixer, you can use this tool to make the work easier.
6. First rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 25-30 minutes in a warm place. The dough should double in volume.
7. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with sugar, lemon zest, and optionally, rum and vanilla. Add the hot milk, mixing well to obtain a smooth cream.
8. Forming the sweet rolls: Once the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. Take a piece of dough and roll it out into a rectangular sheet. Spread a generous layer of walnut filling, leaving a margin of about 2 cm. Roll the dough tightly and seal the edges, then place it in the prepared baking pan.
9. Second rising: Repeat the process for the other pieces of dough and let the rolls rise for another 10 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy texture.
10. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush each roll with beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust.
11. Baking: Bake the rolls for 30-40 minutes or until golden and passing the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean). If you notice they are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
12. Cooling: After baking, let the rolls cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Practical tips:
- Customized flavors: If you want to experiment, add some spices like cinnamon or cocoa to the walnut filling. These will give a special taste and aroma.
- Extra sweetness: A thin layer of jam on the rolled-out dough adds moisture and a sweet flavor that perfectly complements the walnut filling.
- Check the freshness of the ingredients: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve optimal rising.
Nutritional benefits:
Aina's grandma's sweet rolls are a source of carbohydrates and protein, thanks to the flour and walnuts. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to other processed sweets.
Delicious pairings:
The sweet rolls can be enjoyed plain or alongside a cup of warm tea, coffee, or milk. Also, a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream will perfectly complement the sweet and aromatic flavor of the rolls.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of oil instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use butter, but margarine gives a fluffier texture.
- How do I keep the rolls fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.
- Can I use other nuts for the filling?
Sure! You can replace walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.
Aina's grandma's sweet rolls are not just a recipe, but a family experience. Each bite will take you back to festive days, the warmth of home, and the joy of being together. So gather your family and friends, and enjoy this heartfelt delight!
Ingredients: 900 g flour 330 g Rama margarine or butter 3 egg yolks 2 packets of dry yeast 4 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup warm milk For the filling: 600 g ground walnuts 400 g sugar 1 cup hot milk zest of 1 lemon rum, vanilla
