Ensaimadas Recipe

These steps were written by AI. The original source published this recipe's ingredients without a method, so we reconstructed one from them. The ingredients and quantities are the publisher's; the instructions are ours, and haven't been cooked from. Use your judgement on timings.

1. 01

   Activate the Yeast

   To activate the yeast, combine 1 tablespoon active yeast with 2/3 cup warm water and a pinch of the caster sugar in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until you see a foamy layer on top.

   5 min
2. 02

   Mix and Knead Dough

   In a large bowl, combine the 4 cups bread flour with the remaining caster sugar. Add the 4 egg yolks, 6 to 8 tablespoons warm milk, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix everything until a shaggy dough forms.

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 to 12 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic.

   12 min
3. 03

   First Proof

   Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until it has visibly doubled in size.

   60 min
4. 04

   Prepare and Shape

   Gently punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into 10 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a long, thin rectangle, aiming for about 12 to 15 inches in length.

   Spread each rectangle with a portion of the 1/2 cup butter, making sure to cover the surface evenly, then sprinkle with a portion of the 1 cup cheddar cheese. Roll each rectangle tightly into a log, then coil the log into a spiral shape, tucking the end neatly underneath.

   25 min
5. 05

   Second Proof

   Arrange the shaped ensaimadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. Cover them loosely with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes, or until they look visibly puffy.

   30 min
6. 06

   Bake the Ensaimadas

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the ensaimadas for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

   18 min