Rolled Túrós Kipfel

About Rolled Túrós Kipfel

Rolled Túrós Kipfel, a classic Hungarian pastry, is beloved for its flaky, buttery exterior and rich, creamy filling. The term "Kipfel" is often synonymous with crescent-shaped pastries, and "Túrós" refers to the curd cheese or túrós filling that is central to this treat. Traditionally, these pastries were made as a special treat during the holiday season or family gatherings, hailed as a symbol of warmth and celebration.

History

Originating from Austria and spread widely through Central Europe, Kipfel predates the French croissant. It is said that the crescent shape was inspired by the Ottoman empire's emblem, a representation of victory and defiance. As the tale goes, legend has it that the Austrians celebrated their victory against the Turks with these crescent treats, which later permeated Hungarian cuisine adorned with a luscious dairy filling, turning into what we savor today as Rolled Túrós Kipfel.

Ingredients

• Flour - 300g
• Unsalted Butter - 150g
• Sugar - 50g
• Salt - a pinch
• Yeast - 1 pack (7g)
• Warm Milk - 150ml
• Egg - 1 (for the dough)
• Egg Yolk - 1 (for brushing)
• Curd Cheese - 250g
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
• Lemon Zest - from 1 lemon
• Powdered Sugar - for dusting

Preparation

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the yeast with the warm milk and let it sit until it becomes frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour, sugar, salt, and one egg to the yeast mixture.
3. Blend in unsalted butter until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size.

Making the Cheese Filling

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the curd cheese, vanilla extract, sugar, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined.

Rolling and Shaping the Kipfel

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 0.5 cm thick.
2. Cut the dough into triangles.
3. Place a spoonful of the curd cheese filling at the base of each triangle and roll it towards the point to form a crescent shape.
4. Ensure to tuck the sides to secure the filling within the dough.

Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

1. Place the Kipfels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Brush them with the egg yolk to achieve a golden finish.
3. Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. For exact timing, set a cooking timer to ensure perfect baking.
5. Remove from oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
6. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoying Your Rolled Túrós Kipfel

Serve these pastries warm or at room temperature, ideally paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The delicate, flaky exterior combined with the creamy interior offers a beautifully contrasted bite that melts in your mouth, making it perfect as a breakfast indulgence or a delightful dessert. Share these delectable treats with family and friends as a testimony to the rich culinary tradition they represent, fostering moments of joy and togetherness.