Desserts > Romanian > Traditional Romanian Desserts

Sfințișori with Walnuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.

6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

7. Cut the dough into small rectangles, about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.

8. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.

9. Using a pastry brush, brush each rectangle with a little bit of milk.

10. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the rectangles, pressing them lightly into the dough.

11. Bake the sfințișori for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

12. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 30 sfințișori

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use margarine instead of butter.
- Almonds or pecans can be used instead of walnuts.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the sfințișori for a decadent touch.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangles.

Storage instructions:
Store the sfințișori in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the sfințișori in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the sfințișori on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or drizzle with melted chocolate.

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
These sfințișori are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert on their own.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.
- If the sfințișori are too hard, you may have overworked the dough.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling the ingredients.

Food history:
Sfințișori are a traditional Romanian pastry that is typically served during the Christmas season.

Flavor profiles:
These sfințișori are sweet and nutty, with a buttery, flaky texture.

Serving suggestions:
Serve these sfințișori as a sweet snack or dessert, or as part of a holiday spread.

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Region: Romanian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Crunchy