Little Chinese

Petit Chinois - A Home Bakery Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

The history of the Petit Chinois recipe takes us back to a time when sweets were considered true works of art. These fluffy rolls, filled with a fine vanilla cream, are not only a delicious dessert but also a perfect way to bring a touch of refinement to any meal. This quick dessert is ideal for a brunch with friends or a family weekend evening, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

The ingredients for Petit Chinois are simple, but each plays an essential role in achieving the desired result. Here’s how to use them:

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 550 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 10 g dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml warm milk
- 150 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 600 ml milk
- 100 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Grated zest of one orange
- 1 vanilla essence

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine 50 ml of warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar, the yeast, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let the yeast rise for 10-15 minutes until it starts to bubble. This is an essential step that will help the dough rise and become fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a bread machine bowl or a large bowl, add the 550 g of flour, the risen yeast, 100 g of sugar, the 2 eggs, 200 ml of warm milk, 150 g of melted butter, the vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Use the kneading + rising program to achieve an elastic and homogeneous dough. If kneading by hand, work the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring 600 ml of milk to a boil. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 100 g of sugar until they become a light cream. Add the cornstarch and gently mix to avoid lumps. When the milk starts to boil, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, continuously stirring. Return the mixture to the heat and simmer gently until it thickens. Finally, add the grated orange zest and vanilla essence, then let the cream cool.

Step 4: Form the Rolls
After the dough has risen (about 1 hour), turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Evenly spread the vanilla cream over the entire surface of the dough. Roll the dough tightly to form a log, and cut slices about 3-4 cm thick using a thread to obtain equal rolls.

Step 5: Rising and Baking
Place the slices of dough in a round baking dish lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to expand. Let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, covered with a clean towel. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

Chef’s Tip
For an extra flavor boost, you can also add some chopped nuts or raisins to the vanilla filling. Additionally, a glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with a little milk can add a sweet and shiny finish.

Serving and Pairings
Petit Chinois is served warm but is also delicious at room temperature. It can be accompanied by a cup of aromatic coffee or a relaxing herbal tea, perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use plant-based milk instead of cow's milk?
Yes, you can use almond or soy milk for a vegan option.

2. How can I keep the rolls fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can reheat them slightly in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with chocolate fillings, cream cheese, or fruit jams to customize the dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
The flour used provides carbohydrates, essential for energy, while the eggs bring proteins and healthy fats. The milk contains calcium, and the orange adds a boost of vitamin C. This dessert can be enjoyed in moderation, with approximately 250 calories per serving.

With every bite of Petit Chinois, you will enjoy an explosion of flavors and textures, turning any meal into a celebration. Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends, because, after all, the joy of cooking is sweeter when shared!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 550 g flour, 100 g sugar, 10 g dry yeast, 2 eggs, 200 ml milk, 150 g butter, vanilla essence, 1 pinch of salt. For the filling: 600 ml milk, 100 g sugar, 3 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, grated zest of one orange, vanilla essence.

 Tags:  milk yeast flour vanilla rolls