Russian Christmas is a time filled with traditions and delightful treats. One of the most beloved recipes passed down through generations is the Sladkiy Pirozhok, a mouth-watering sweet bread roll that is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. This aromatic and tender bread is infused with warm flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of citrus zest. Its soft, pillowy texture and sweet filling make it a festive addition to any Christmas table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a taste of Russian holiday cheer to your home.
**Sladkiy Pirozhok Sweet Bread Roll**
**Ingredients:**
For the Dough:
– 1 cup whole milk, warmed
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
– 3/4 cup ground walnuts
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
2. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. In a small bowl, mix the ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest to prepare the filling.
7. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Spread the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
9. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge, to form a log.
10. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving some space between each roll.
11. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the sweet bread rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
13. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
14. Once the sweet bread rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm.
Serve the Sladkiy Pirozhok sweet bread rolls fresh out of the oven for a delightful Christmas breakfast or as a scrumptious dessert paired with a cup of hot tea. The combination of nutty filling, sweet glaze, and soft bread will surely make these Russian treats a holiday favorite in your home. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these delicious sweet bread rolls with your loved ones, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
