Sweet Roll Wreath

Sweet roll wreaths are both a pleasure for the palate and the eyes, a perfect preparation for holidays or special breakfasts. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 500 g 00 flour
• 100 g sugar
• 250 ml warm milk
• 1 packet dry brewer’s yeast (or 25 g fresh brewer’s yeast)
• 1 egg
• 50 g softened butter
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk for brushing
• Sugar sprinkles or powdered sugar for decorating

Preparation

1. In a bowl, dissolve the brewer’s yeast in the warm milk and add a teaspoon of sugar taken from the total.
2. In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the flour with the remaining sugar, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg and the yeast-milk mixture.
4. Begin kneading, gradually adding the softened butter in pieces and the salt.
5. Work the dough until it becomes smooth and dry, then let it rise in a warm place covered with a clean cloth for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in volume.
6. After rising, punch down the dough and form balls of about 50-60 g each.
7. Arrange the balls in a wreath shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to allow for further rising.
8. Cover with a cloth and let the balls rise for another 30-40 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
10. Lightly beat the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and gently brush the surface of the rolls.
11. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles if desired, or dust with powdered sugar after baking.
12. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden.
13. Let the wreaths cool before serving.

Trivia

These sweet rolls can be customized in many ways, for example by adding raisins, chocolate chips, or almond flakes to the dough. They are perfect for holiday breakfasts but also as an edible gift, wrapping the wreath in nice transparent cellophane.