A Perfect Winter Pastry
We can’t believe it’s already nearing the end of February! Time has been flying by, and before we even know it, it will be springtime again. As winter starts to wind down (although surely the cold weather will stick around for a while longer, at least in some places), we are also winding down our last few winter recipes.
Apple & Cinnamon
Apple-cinnamon is undoubtedly one of the most hearty and warming combinations of flavors that we can think of, particularly for the winter. We’ve already shared some recipes that involve a delicious apple filling, like our æblesnitter. And today, we’re sharing our recipe for æblehorn, or apple-filled crescent rolls!
The Recipe
These pastries are unreal – the dough is super soft and delicious and the filling is tart and full of warming spices. To make them, the recipe is simple! Just combine your ingredients to make your dough, knead, then allow this to rise. Make your filling by cooking down the ingredients until the apples are mostly cooked through. Roll out your dough, add your filling, and shape the rolls. Finally, give these a short second rise, brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar, and bake. Enjoy! Let us know in the comments if you try the recipe.
Æblehorn (Apple Filled Crescent Rolls)
Ingredients
DOUGH
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) milk
- 2 tsp instant yeast (2.25 tsp active dry yeast, 17.5g fresh yeast)
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or vaniljesukker, if you happen to have it!)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 375 grams (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 57 grams (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg for egg wash
APPLE FILLING
- 3 medium apples, diced (tart apples are best – we used Granny Smith!)
- 75 grams (about 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp) dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/8 tsp cardamom
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat up the milk, either in the microwave or in a saucepan, until it is "fingervarm" (finger warm), meaning it should feel warm to the touch but not hot. You don’t want to kill the yeast! Add the yeast and stir to dissolve. Let it rest 5-10 minutes until it begins to froth and bubble a little bit. (If your yeast doesn’t do anything, it may be expired. Check the expiration date on the package and start over with new yeast!)
- Combine the egg, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla extract, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add the milk and yeast mixture to the egg mixture and whisk to combine.
- Slowly add the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon. Once the dough starts to come together, you can start kneading.
- Add the softened butter and knead until smooth and elastic, probably around 5-10 minutes. Add a bit of flour if the dough sticks to your hands or the surface. If you prefer not to get your hands messy and covered in butter, feel free to use a stand mixer for this step. The texture of your dough before its first rise should be soft and smooth, not sticky and not too dry.
- Cover and let your dough rise for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling by combining diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, spices, salt, and vanilla extract in a small pot. Cook until the apples are soft, about 15 minutes. Set aside to let cool (you can also place in the fridge or freezer to speed up the cooling process!)
- Once the dough has doubled in size, turn out the dough onto a clean work surface. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle; cut the circle into 6 equal triangles (like a pizza).
- To shape the "horns" or rolls, start by rolling out each triangle with a rolling pin to get more surface area.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling on the widest end of the triangle and roll up towards the point.
- Place on a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper, making sure the point is tucked underneath so it doesn't unroll!
- You can also tuck the ends under to form more of that moon shape. Once all rolls have been shaped (you will likely need two baking sheets), leave to rise for another 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the rolls by egg washing the tops and adding some pearl sugar (optional).
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!
