Eastern European Kifli (Kilfa) Recipe
The original kifli is believed to date back to the Medieval period. A 10th-century convent's food list includes "panis lunatis" (a small crescent-shaped roll eaten during fasts) as one of the foods consumed.
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast - (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup Warm milk
- Egg (beaten)- 1 (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds - for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, and salt. Beat until creamy and well combined.
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into smaller portions, depending on how large you want your Kifli/Kifla to be.
- Roll each portion of dough into a thin circle or oval shape.
- Cut the dough into wedges or triangles, similar to pizza slices.
- Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle of dough towards the point to form crescent shapes.
- Place the shaped Kifli/Kifla onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg wash.
- If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the top of each roll for added flavor and texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the Kifli/Kifla are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 218mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
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