Top Çörek, a traditional Turkish pastry, is a delightful treat that is perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack. These soft, fluffy bread rolls are lightly sweetened and often filled with a variety of ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate. Their name, “Top,” means “ball” in Turkish, reflecting their round, plump shape. Making Top Çörek at home brings a piece of Turkish culinary tradition to your kitchen, and their delightful flavor and texture are sure to win over anyone who tries them.
1-Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and instant yeast. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2-Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
3-First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4-Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal-sized pieces. Flatten each piece and place a small amount of your chosen filling in the center. Pinch the dough around the filling to seal, then roll it into a ball.
5-Second Rise: Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
6-Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
7-Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the rolls for a golden finish.
8-Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9-Serve: Let the Top Çörek cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
Top Çörek offers a delightful blend of soft, sweet bread with the rich filling of your choice. Whether enjoyed as part of a leisurely breakfast, a tea-time treat, or a sweet snack, these Turkish pastries are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Filling Variations: Experiment with different fillings like cinnamon sugar, apple chunks, or even savory options like feta cheese and herbs.
Consistent Size: Ensure all your dough balls are of the same size for even baking.
Avoid Overworking the Dough: Over-kneading can make the dough tough, so stop as soon as it becomes smooth and elastic.
Monitor the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your Top Çörek a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent over-browning.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave to bring back their fresh-baked taste and texture.
Freezing: You can freeze the shaped, unbaked rolls. Just thaw and let them rise before baking as per the recipe.
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