Irresistible Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream
There’s something utterly comforting about biting into a soft roll filled with cream cheese goodness, complemented by delicate flavors like orange blossom and rose. Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream are a beloved treat, perfect for brunch gatherings, dessert platters, or even a special midweek snack. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about creating a delightful experience that brings loved ones together around the table. Let’s dive into how to make this exquisite dish that will impress everyone.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream Recipe
These Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream are truly a standout dessert. Think of them as a sweet embrace of flavors and textures—crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.
Here are a few reasons to make them:
- Quick and Easy: Despite their fancy appearance, these rolls come together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy filling, making it a hit for family gatherings or as an after-school treat.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a festive dinner, or a cozy night in, these rolls fit beautifully into any setting.
“These rolls transformed my dessert table! So delicious and surprisingly easy. The kids couldn’t get enough!” — Happy Home Baker
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream is a step-by-step process, but don’t fret! Each stage is designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing:
- Prepare the Ashta: This creamy filling is made by combining bread crumbs with milk and heavy cream.
- Make the Dough: A unique dough featuring semolina and melted cheese is prepared, making the rolls delightfully chewy.
- Roll and Shape: The dough is rolled out, filled with the ashta, and shaped into perfect logs.
- Slice and Serve: After slicing them into portions, they are ready to be dressed with ground pistachios and syrup.
Let’s gather the ingredients!
What You’ll Need
- 3 pieces of sliced bread, without crust (40 g/1.4 oz.)
- 150 g whole milk (5.3 oz.)
- 10 g cornstarch (0.35 oz.)
- 350 g heavy cream (35% fat) (12.3 oz.)
- 10 g white granulated sugar (0.35 oz.) (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 200 g water (7.1 oz.)
- 100 g white granulated sugar (3.5 oz.)
- 70 g fine semolina (2.5 oz.)
- 150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded (5.3 oz.)
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 1/2 tablespoon rose water
- Orange blossom syrup (optional)
- Ground shelled pistachios
Feel free to substitute the mozzarella cheese with other kinds of cheese like ricotta or even a vegan option to cater to dietary needs. The key is to have a soft, meltable cheese.
Directions to Follow
Prepare the Ashta
- Use a food processor to make breadcrumbs from the sliced bread, then set these aside.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine milk and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Mix in sugar (if using) and the heavy cream, followed by the bread crumbs.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until thick. The ashta will thicken further as it cools.
- Remove from heat, stir in orange blossom water if desired, and transfer to a wide container to cool. Cover with parchment to prevent a film from forming. Let it cool for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
Prepare the Dough
- Prepare two large pieces of parchment paper, rubbing them with orange blossom water to prevent sticking.
- In a small pot, bring water and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle in semolina flour slowly while stirring constantly until it thickens and pulls away from the sides like mashed potatoes.
- Gradually add the shredded mozzarella, and stir until completely melted and smooth. Mix in orange blossom and rose water.
- Immediately pour the hot dough onto the parchment paper, cover with another layer, and roll it out into a thin rectangle (about 2 mm).
- Remove the top parchment and trim edges for a perfect rectangle.
Assemble the Rolls
- Spoon cold ashta along one long edge of the dough in a thick log, leaving a 1 cm gap.
- Gently lift the parchment paper to roll the dough around the filling. Seal the edges well.
- Cut the log into equal pieces (about 4 cm each) using a clean knife for neat slices.
Serve Up the Rolls
- Decorate with finely ground pistachios and serve with syrup on the side, if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream shine when served warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:
- Drizzle with Syrup: Serve with a generous coating of orange blossom syrup for added sweetness.
- Accompaniment: Pair with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Display: Arrange them beautifully on a platter, sprinkled with pistachios, to make a stunning centerpiece.
How to Store & Freeze
To keep your Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a sealed bag for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control: When cooking the dough, maintaining the correct heat will ensure the cheese melts smoothly without overcooking the dough.
- Sticky Situation: If the dough is too sticky while slicing, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to harden slightly before cutting.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors; adding a touch of cinnamon or citrus zest to the ashta can elevate the taste.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe:
- Cheese Choices: Try using different types of cheese like ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Flavor Swaps: Replace orange blossom with other extract flavors like vanilla or almond.
- Add Ins: Mix in some chocolate chips or dried fruits for a flavor twist.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare these rolls?
The total prep and cook time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, including cooling time for the ashta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare both the ashta and dough a day in advance. Just keep each covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
If refrigerated, reheat the Sweet Cheese Rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave on low for about 30 seconds.
Conclusion
These Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream are a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for special occasions or just a casual Sunday afternoon dessert, they never fail to impress. Try making them today, and indulge in the joy of sweet, creamy goodness with every bite. For more innovative recipes and cooking tips, feel free to explore the blog!
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Sweet Cheese Rolls with Cream
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful rolls filled with a creamy ashta, flavored with orange blossom and rose, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 pieces of sliced bread, without crust (40 g / 1.4 oz.)
- 150 g whole milk (5.3 oz.)
- 10 g cornstarch (0.35 oz.)
- 350 g heavy cream (35% fat) (12.3 oz.)
- 10 g white granulated sugar (0.35 oz.) (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 200 g water (7.1 oz.)
- 100 g white granulated sugar (3.5 oz.)
- 70 g fine semolina (2.5 oz.)
- 150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded (5.3 oz.)
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 1/2 tablespoon rose water
- Orange blossom syrup (optional)
- Ground shelled pistachios
Instructions
- Make breadcrumbs from the sliced bread using a food processor and set aside.
- In a medium pot, whisk together milk and cornstarch until smooth, then mix in sugar, heavy cream, and breadcrumbs.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 5 minutes until thick.
- Remove from heat, stir in orange blossom water if desired, and transfer to a container to cool for about 30 minutes before refrigerating for 2 hours.
- For the dough, begin by boiling water and sugar in a small pot, then sprinkle in semolina slowly, stirring constantly until thick.
- Add shredded mozzarella and stir until melted and smooth, then mix in orange blossom and rose water.
- Pour the hot dough onto parchment paper, cover, and roll it out into a thin rectangle.
- Spoon cooled ashta along one long edge of the dough, roll it up, and seal the edges.
- Cut the log into pieces (about 4 cm each) before serving.
- Decorate with finely ground pistachios and serve with syrup if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute mozzarella cheese with ricotta or a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 150 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg