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Donna R. Luis

Balkan Kiflice Crescent Rolls

These Balkan-style kiflice are soft, golden crescent rolls made from a yeast-raised dough enriched with milk, yogurt, eggs, and oil. Fill them with your favorite sweet or savory filling, brush with egg wash, add optional seeds, then bake until beautifully golden.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Dough + Crescent Resting Time in Between 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Breads, Pastries
Cuisine: Bosnian, Croatian, Kosovan, Serbian

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups all-purpose flour plus a little extra for the work surface
  • 2 cups lukewarm milk with the amount potentially varying slightly depending on the dough
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 3.4 ounces vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast using 2–7 gram packets; avoid instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Filling of choice:
  • Sweet: raspberry jam fig jam, orange jam, Nutella, chocolate, nuts, candied fruit, preserves, or similar fillings
  • Savory: ham feta, cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, cured meats, ajvar, or similar fillings
  • 2 egg yolks
  • A pinch of water for the egg wash
  • Optional: 1–2 tablespoons sesame or poppy seeds

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for activating the yeast
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pizza wheel or sharp knife
  • Kitchen towel
  • Kitchen brush for the egg wash
  • Baking pan or pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight container for storage

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine the active dry yeast and sugar with a small amount of the lukewarm milk, then let the mixture stand for 7–10 minutes, until the yeast becomes active and begins to foam.
  2. Make the Dough: Place the flour and salt in a large bowl, then add the activated yeast mixture.
    Gradually work in the remaining milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, and eggs while kneading until everything comes together into a smooth, firm, elastic ball of dough.
  3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and leave the dough at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size; allow it enough time to rise rather than rushing this stage.
  4. Optional Overnight Rest: For a longer fermentation, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
    Before shaping the kiflice, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it return to room temperature.
  5. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface, and divide it into 5 equal portions.
    Knead each portion for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Roll the Dough: Take one dough ball and roll it into a circle approximately 12–13 inches (30–33 cm) in diameter.
  7. Cut the Wedges: Using a pizza wheel or sharp knife, cut the dough circle into 16 small wedges, creating the individual pieces that will become the crescent rolls.
  8. Fill the Wedges: Place about 1 teaspoon of your chosen filling at the wider end of each wedge.
    Avoid overfilling, as excess filling may ooze out while the kiflice bake.
  9. Shape the Crescents: Starting at the wide end containing the filling, roll each wedge toward its narrow tip, then gently curve the roll into a crescent shape.
  10. Arrange the Kiflice: Place the shaped crescents on a parchment-lined baking pan, leaving enough space for them to rest before baking.
  11. Repeat the Shaping: Continue rolling, cutting, filling, and shaping the remaining dough portions until all the kiflice have been prepared; use two baking pans if necessary.
  12. Final Proof: Let the shaped kiflice rest in the baking pan for 45–60 minutes. During the final 15 minutes of this resting period, preheat the oven to 395°F (200°C).
  13. Prepare the Egg Wash: Combine the 2 egg yolks with a pinch of water to make the egg wash.
  14. Brush the Kiflice: Lightly brush the rested crescents with the egg wash, then sprinkle them with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
  15. Bake the Kiflice: Bake the crescents at 395°F (200°C) for 15–17 minutes, or until the tops become golden brown.
  16. Serve: Serve the warm kiflice alongside Bosnian coffee or tea, use them instead of bread with a main course, or enjoy them as a snack at any time of day.
  17. Store: Once cooled, keep the kiflice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  18. Reheat: Reheat the rolls in the oven for a few minutes to help restore their softness.

Notes

  • Use active dry yeast rather than instant yeast, as specified in the original recipe.
  • The milk should be lukewarm when activating the yeast; the exact amount needed for the dough may vary slightly.
  • Do not rush the first rise. The dough should double in size before shaping.
  • Avoid overfilling the wedges because excess filling can escape during baking.
  • You may need two baking pans for all the shaped kiflice.
  • Sesame or poppy seeds are optional and can be used according to preference.
  • Store baked kiflice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
  • Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to help bring back their softness.