These Mini Pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner, a birthday party, or a special breakfast. They’re made from a soft and fluffy dough filled with creamy cheese, creating a delightful and versatile treat that’s sure to please everyone. With a golden, glossy finish and the option to add your favorite toppings, these pastries are both delicious and visually appealing. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make these crowd-pleasers!
Why You’ll Love These Mini Pastries
These pastries are incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them warm from the oven, serve them as part of a breakfast spread, or take them along as a snack for picnics and gatherings. The dough is soft and fluffy, with a rich cream cheese filling that adds a creamy, savory touch. You can also customize them with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients (Makes 24-30 Mini Pastries)
For the Dough:
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk, lukewarm
- 1 oz (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 g) yeast (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 3/4 cups (690 g) plain flour
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) oil
For the Filling:
- 2 cups (450 g) cream cheese
- 1 egg white
For Smearing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk
Nutritional Information (Per Pastry)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, yeast, and lukewarm milk.
- Stir the mixture and let it stand for about 10 minutes until the yeast has risen and become frothy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise properly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the risen yeast mixture, water, and 70 ml of the oil to the flour mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pour the remaining oil over it.
- Knead the dough by hand, incorporating the oil until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bun.
- Place the buns on an oiled tray, brush each bun lightly with oil, cover with a clean cloth, and let them rise for 30 minutes. The buns should double in size during this time.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- If the cream cheese is not salty, add a little salt to taste.
- Mix the cream cheese with the egg white, stirring until smooth. Reserve the egg yolk for later.
Step 5: Shape the Pastries
- Take each bun and roll it into a narrow rectangle about 30 centimeters (12 inches) long on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Roll the dough up along the long side to form a long roll.
- Place the rolls on an oiled baking sheet, cover them with a clean cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Cut and Bake the Pastries
- Using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife, cut the rolls into pieces about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long while still on the baking sheet.
- Beat the reserved egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush it over the top of the pastries. This gives the pastries a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds, coarse salt, or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Bake the pastries for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be shiny and the edges slightly crispy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. These pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack at any time of the day.
Tips for Perfect Mini Pastries
- Ensure Proper Rising: Make sure the yeast is active and frothy before adding it to the flour mixture. This is crucial for achieving the right dough texture.
- Adjust Filling to Taste: You can add herbs, garlic, or spices to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their fresh-from-the-oven taste.
These Mini Pastries are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as an appetizer, or as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones!
