Brewer's rolls with Jam and Walnuts

Updated: Jul 2

I adore these rolls, which are a beloved treat in Vojvodina, the picturesque region of northern Serbia where I spent a significant part of my life. The rolls are not only a staple in local bakeries but also a cherished homemade delight that evokes fond memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Their soft, juicy texture combined with the delightful crunch of finely chopped nuts creates an incredible aroma that fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist their allure.

One of the remarkable aspects of these rolls is the simplicity of the recipe, which allows for immediate preparation without the need for the dough to rise and double in size, a common requirement in many traditional baking recipes. This means that you can enjoy these delectable rolls in no time at all, making them a perfect choice for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute dessert cravings.

To create these mouthwatering rolls, you will need a few essential ingredients that are often found in most kitchens. Start with some beer, which not only adds flavor but also contributes to the lightness of the dough. Combine this with flour, which serves as the foundation of the rolls, and sugar for that touch of sweetness that balances the flavors perfectly. Baking powder is a crucial ingredient as it provides the necessary leavening, ensuring that the rolls rise beautifully as they bake. Vanilla sugar adds a hint of aromatic sweetness, enhancing the overall taste profile.

For the filling, you will need a generous amount of jam, which can be of your choice—apricot, raspberry, or strawberry work wonderfully—providing a fruity burst of flavor that pairs harmoniously with the nutty elements. Walnuts, finely chopped, contribute a delightful crunch and richness to the rolls, while a little lemon zest brightens the flavors, adding a refreshing citrus note that elevates the entire dish.

These rolls are incredibly versatile and suitable for all occasions, whether you're hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home. They can be served warm out of the oven, dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance, or enjoyed at room temperature as a delightful snack throughout the day.
To ensure you achieve the best results, follow the recipe closely, paying attention to the mixing and rolling techniques, which are key to achieving the perfect texture and taste. Once you experience the joy of making and sharing these rolls, you will understand why they hold such a special place in the hearts of those from Vojvodina and beyond.

Ingredients: simple, total time: 60 min., 32 rolls

Dough:

Filling:

Syrup Dressing:

For Rolling rolls:

Preparation:

Syrup Preparation:

Begin by preparing the syrup.
Combine sugar, water, and lemon slices in a pot and cook over low to moderate heat. Once it reaches a boil, continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes. Allow it to cool.

Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the beer, oil, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, grated lemon and sugar, and mix thoroughly with a hand whisk.
Gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Shape the dough into a ball and divide it into four equal portions, adding flour as necessary.
Roll each portion of dough into a circle with a rolling pin to a thickness of 3 mm.
Cut each dough circle into eight equal triangles using a knife.
Place a teaspoon of jam and a small amount of ground walnuts on the wider part of each triangle, then roll it into a crescent shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
Arrange the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for approximately 20-23 minutes.
Once baked, dip the rolls in cold syrup and sprinkle with ground walnuts.

Buon appetito!

"A recipe may begin with ingredients, but its true flavor comes from the love and memories shared through it." ☕🍰🌹

NOTE:

In this recipe, I utilized homemade plum jam, but any available variety can be used. I also added 2 teaspoons of grated lemon peel, which gives these rolls an amazing aroma!
After dipping the rolls in the syrup, sprinkle walnuts on the top layer. Rolling them in walnuts will result in the nuts becoming wet and not adhering properly.
When forming the rolls, gently pull the lower part outward before rolling them into a crescent shape.
I baked the rolls twice, maintaining a distance of 2 cm between them.
Store the pastry covered at room temperature for up to 7 days.