Majorcan Sweet Rolls: A Taste of an Island Holiday

Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands off the east coast of Spain, is a favoured destination for European holidays. The warm Mediterranean climate, beautiful vistas and relaxed atmosphere create a haven for unwinding from the trials and challenges of everyday life. Waking up in one of the many Majorca villas available to holiday travellers can only be enhanced by the smell of freshly baked Majorcan sweet rolls and coffee. The holiday memories can be revived by baking these delicious artisan sweet rolls at home.

Instructions

Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and set aside. Whilst the yeast is blooming, combine sugar and salt in a large bowl. Check warm milk and yeast for bubbles on top. If bubbles have not formed, the yeast is old and a new mixture of milk and fresh yeast will be necessary. Add flour and warm milk and yeast to sugar and salt combination gradually mixing thoroughly. Add egg and olive oil to flour mixture. Make sure all ingredients are combined completely and a smooth dough has formed.

Dust clean surface with all-purpose flour. Turn dough mixture out on to floured surface and knead until dough becomes elastic. Dough is elastic when pinched and returns to original shape, like pinching someone’s cheek.

Place dough in large lightly oiled bowl. Cover bowl with lightly oiled piece of plastic wrap. Place bowl in warm spot without any drafts for approximately one hour.

When dough has doubled in size, turn out on surface with light dusting of all-purpose flour. Punch dough with fist to release air. Divide dough into 15 equal pieces. With hands, roll piece of dough into rope shape approximately 15 inches in length. Brush all sides of the dough rope with melted butter.

Place one end of dough rope on lightly buttered baking pan. Coil dough into a spiral. Place rolls about 5 inches apart on baking sheet.

Cover rolls with oiled plastic wrap and place in warm spot away from drafts. When rolls have doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes, remove plastic wrap and place in pre-heated 375 degree oven.

Bake until they are lightly browned, this takes approximately 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven. Place the rolls on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust rolls with powdered sugar to taste.

The rolls are best served warm and can be reheated in a low temperature oven.

Baking Tip: If brushing ropes of dough with melted butter is too messy, pour melted butter on to a large plate and roll ropes through the melted butter.

Conclusion

Majorcan sweet rolls are also known as Mallorcan sweet rolls (“Ensaimada Mallorca” in Spanish). No matter which spelling is used, these light fully rolls are a perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Add a bowl of fresh fruit topped with a little yogurt and a breakfast worthy of an island holiday can be served at home.

Author Bio

Alan Horton is an avid writer of online travel and cookery articles. Alan regularly writes about recipes he’s enjoyed whilst enjoying his European holidays and travels abroad.