Kirsch Schnecken Cherry Rolls

During the holiday season, the scent of freshly baked treats fills our homes with warmth and joy. A delightful German Christmas baking tradition, Kirsch Schnecken, also known as Cherry Rolls, is a beloved festive treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the delicate flakiness of pastry. These delicious rolls are not only a delight to make but also a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. So, gather your ingredients and let’s bake up some festive magic!

**Kirsch Schnecken Cherry Rolls**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– Powdered sugar for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
– In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm, stirring continuously until the butter is melted.
– Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients in the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together.
– Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour until the dough is smooth and elastic.
– Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

2. **Assemble the Rolls**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
– Spread the cherry preserves evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
– Starting from one long end, roll up the dough tightly to form a log.
– Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces.

3. **Bake the Rolls**
– Place the sliced rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
– Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet.

4. **Serve and Enjoy**
– Dust the warm cherry rolls with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
– Serve the Kirsch Schnecken cherry rolls warm with a cup of hot cocoa or tea for a cozy holiday treat.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

These Kirsch Schnecken Cherry Rolls are the perfect combination of fruity sweetness and delicate pastry, making them a delightful addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them with a warm beverage by the fireplace or share them with loved ones, these festive treats are sure to bring a touch of holiday magic to your home. Embrace the joy of baking and create cherished memories with each delicious bite of these delightful cherry rolls!