A sugar-coated yeast dough pastry is a delicious treat, often soft and fluffy with a hint of sweetness. These pastries are made with yeast-leavened dough that is shaped, baked, and then coated with sugar, giving them a sweet and crunchy exterior. Here’s a basic recipe to make sugar-coated yeast dough pastries:
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the sugar coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and a teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, the remaining sugar, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Crack in the egg and mix to form a dough.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Pastries:
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Cut and shape: Cut the dough into strips or squares, depending on the shape you prefer. You can twist the strips to create a fun, swirled shape.
- Second rise: Place the shaped pastries onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for about 20-30 minutes until puffy.
Bake the Pastries:
- Preheat the oven: While the pastries are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Coat with Sugar:
- Sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon (if using). Once the pastries are done baking, brush them with a little melted butter while still warm, then roll or sprinkle them in the sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the pastries cool slightly before enjoying their soft, sweet, and slightly crunchy texture.
These sugar-coated yeast dough pastries make a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. Enjoy!