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Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm milk, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix together until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook for about 5-7 minutes.
Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine dried fruit, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside. If you’d like, drizzle in a little honey to give the filling a touch more sweetness and moisture.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that’s about 12×18 inches.
Brush the rolled dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the dried fruit mixture over the surface of the dough. Make sure to spread it out evenly to ensure every bite is filled with sweet, fruity goodness.
4. Roll and Cut:
Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, slice it into approximately 12 even pieces (about 1 inch thick) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange them so they’re slightly spaced apart, allowing room for them to expand as they bake.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of each roll with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture generously over the rolls.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through. The filling should be bubbling slightly at the edges, and the tops should have a slight crunch from the sugar topping.
7. Cool and Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. These sweet rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave for a fresh, warm treat!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Rolls
- Flaky and Buttery: The dough is soft and flaky, giving you that irresistible texture with each bite. The butteriness of the dough pairs perfectly with the sweet filling.
- Fruity and Sweet: The dried fruit filling provides a natural sweetness with a chewy texture that complements the cinnamon-sugar topping. You can customize the fruit to your liking, choosing from raisins, apricots, cranberries, or a mix of your favorites.
- Versatile: Whether you serve these rolls for breakfast, as a snack, or at a brunch gathering, they’ll be a hit. They also make a great gift or contribution to a potluck!
- Easy to Make: While they look impressive, these rolls are surprisingly simple to make and don’t require any special baking skills. With a little patience for the dough to rise, you’ll have a delicious, homemade pastry in no time.
Final Thoughts
These sweet rolls filled with dried fruit and sugar are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and fruity sweetness, giving you the best of both strudels and rugelach in one irresistible bite. Whether you make them for yourself or share them with friends and family, they’ll quickly become a favorite treat. Plus, their versatility makes them ideal for any occasion — from a weekend breakfast to a sweet dessert after dinner.
If you’re a fan of fruit-filled pastries, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making them all the time — just like me!
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