### Vanilla Cream Rolls Recipe
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#### **Introduction**
Vanilla Cream Rolls are a light, airy, and indulgent pastry perfect for any occasion. These soft rolls are filled with a luscious vanilla cream filling and often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze. Their sweet, comforting flavor and delicate texture make them a popular choice for brunch, tea parties, or even as a special dessert. With their elegant look and delicious taste, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
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#### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Vanilla cream rolls are inspired by traditional European pastries, especially those found in French and Austrian bakeries. The concept of cream-filled pastries has been around for centuries, with the French being particularly famous for their decadent puff pastry desserts. Over time, the vanilla cream roll has evolved, with various cultures adding their own twist. Today, this dessert is enjoyed worldwide, symbolizing the art of pastry making and sweet indulgence. While it’s not tied to a specific holiday or event, it’s often served during special gatherings, making it a symbol of celebration and hospitality.
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#### **Ingredients and Quantity**
– **For the Dough:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk (warm)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
– 1 large egg
– **For the Vanilla Cream Filling:**
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup mascarpone cheese (optional, for a richer filling)
– **For the Glaze (optional):**
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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#### **Optional Additions**
– **Cinnamon**: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that complements the vanilla cream.
– **Orange zest**: A small amount of zest can bring a refreshing citrus twist to the filling.
– **Chopped nuts**: Finely chopped pistachios or almonds can be sprinkled on top of the glaze for a crunchy texture.
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#### **Tips for Success**
1. **Warm milk**: Make sure the milk is warm (but not too hot) when mixing with the yeast to activate it properly. This helps the dough rise beautifully.
2. **Don’t overmix**: When mixing the dough, stop as soon as everything is combined. Overworking the dough can result in dense rolls.
3. **Chill the cream filling**: For a thicker and more stable cream filling, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before piping it into the rolls.
4. **Roll tightly**: When rolling the dough, make sure to do so tightly to avoid air pockets and ensure that the rolls maintain a good shape.
5. **Freshness is key**: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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#### **Instructions**
1. **Make the Dough:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Create a well in the center.
– Pour the warm milk, melted butter, and egg into the well. Stir together until a dough forms.
– Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment.
– Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. **Prepare the Cream Filling:**
– While the dough rises, make the vanilla cream filling by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. If using mascarpone, fold it into the whipped cream for added richness.
– Chill the filling in the refrigerator while the dough continues to rise.
3. **Shape the Rolls:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
– Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
– Spread the vanilla cream evenly across the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
– Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer edge. Slice the log into 8-10 equal pieces.
– Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Let them rise for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats.
4. **Bake the Rolls:**
– Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
– While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
5. **Glaze and Serve:**
– Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze (if using).
– Serve warm or at room temperature.
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#### **Description**
Vanilla cream rolls are the epitome of soft, sweet, and creamy goodness. The dough is light and airy, with a golden-brown crust that gives way to a soft, tender interior. The vanilla cream filling adds richness and sweetness, perfectly balancing the subtle flavor of the dough. When topped with a simple glaze, these rolls become even more indulgent, providing a delicious contrast of textures—soft, fluffy rolls combined with the smooth, velvety cream.
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#### **Nutritional Information** (per roll, assuming 10 rolls)
– **Calories**: 280
– **Fat**: 18g
– **Saturated Fat**: 11g
– **Cholesterol**: 60mg
– **Sodium**: 110mg
– **Carbohydrates**: 30g
– **Fiber**: 1g
– **Sugar**: 12g
– **Protein**: 3g
*Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.*
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#### **Conclusion**
Vanilla cream rolls are a delightful treat that combines the best of pastry-making and dessert perfection. Their light and fluffy texture, coupled with a rich and creamy filling, makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. While a bit indulgent, these rolls are simple enough to make at home and provide a sophisticated touch to your baking repertoire.
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#### **Recommendation**
For an extra touch of elegance, serve these rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled milk. If you’re looking to make them ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container and gently reheated before serving. These rolls are also highly customizable—try adding different flavorings or toppings to suit your tastes, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings like chocolate or fruit preserves.
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#### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While vanilla cream rolls are undeniably indulgent, you can still enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. To make them slightly lighter, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free cream alternative for the filling. You could also reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze and use whole grain flour for a more wholesome version. By embracing these small adjustments, you can enjoy these delicious rolls without feeling guilty about indulging.