Turkish Tahini Sweet Rolls (Tahinli Ekmek) Recipe

Introduction

Turkish Tahini Sweet Rolls, or Tahinli Ekmek, are soft, sweet, and rich pastries infused with nutty tahini. These rolls are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat with tea. Their golden, sesame-topped spirals offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1 egg
• 1¼ cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar (for tahini mixture)
• 1 cup tahini
• 1 egg (for egg wash, lightly beaten)
• A drop of vinegar (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Check the expiration date of the instant yeast to ensure it is fresh and active.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter, olive oil, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and vanilla if using.
3. Step 3: Beat the egg in a separate bowl, then gradually stir in the milk. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and uniform. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside for 1 hour to rise until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, mix the tahini and 1 cup sugar together until well combined.
6. Step 6: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal balls. Work with one at a time.
7. Step 7: On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter.
8. Step 8: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the tahini mixture over each circle, leaving a 1 cm border around the edges.
9. Step 9: Roll each circle tightly into a log. Then roll it back and forth gently until it measures approximately 30 cm (12 inches) long.
10. Step 10: Shape each log into a tight spiral and lightly flatten with your hands.
11. Step 11: Place the spirals on parchment-lined baking sheets with some space between them. Let them rest for another 30 minutes for a second rise.
12. Step 12: Prepare the egg wash by mixing the beaten egg with a drop of vinegar. Brush the tops of each roll with the egg wash.
13. Step 13: Sprinkle sesame seeds lightly over the rolls.
14. Step 14: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough mixture.
• Swap the regular sugar in the tahini mixture for brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top.
• Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze after baking and thaw at room temperature before reheating. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore freshness and softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without instant yeast?

Instant yeast is recommended for the best rise and texture. You can substitute with active dry yeast, but dissolve it in warm milk first and allow it to activate before mixing with the flour.

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

You can replace the egg in the dough and egg wash with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” (1 tablespoon ground seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to keep the recipe fully vegan.

Turkish Tahini Sweet Rolls (Tahinli Ekmek) Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 136 reviews

Turkish Tahini Sweet Rolls (Tahinli Ekmek) are a traditional delight featuring soft, fluffy dough swirled with a sweet tahini and sugar filling. These spiraled rolls are brushed with an egg wash, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and baked to a golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or breakfast treat, they offer a lovely balance of nutty tahini sweetness and tender bread texture.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 4 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1 egg
• 1¼ cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup tahini

Egg Wash and Topping

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• A drop of vinegar
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Check yeast expiry: Make sure the instant yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date to ensure the dough rises properly.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, butter, olive oil, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Combine egg and milk: Beat the egg in a separate bowl and gradually add the milk while stirring. Then add this liquid mixture to the flour mixture.
4. Knead dough: Knead thoroughly until the dough is smooth and homogeneous. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Prepare filling: Mix the tahini and sugar until well combined.
6. Divide dough: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal balls.
7. Roll dough: On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter.
8. Spread filling: Spread about 1 tablespoon of tahini-sugar mixture over each circle, leaving a 1 cm border around edges.
9. Form rolls: Roll each circle into a log, then roll it back and forth gently until it is about 30 cm (12 inches) long.
10. Shape spirals: Shape each log into a tight spiral, then lightly flatten with your hands.
11. Second rise: Place spiraled rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets with space between them. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
12. Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and a drop of vinegar. Brush this mixture on the tops of the rolls.
13. Sprinkle seeds: Lightly sprinkle sesame seeds over the egg-washed rolls.
14. Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
15. Serve warm: Remove from oven and enjoy the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure your yeast is active and fresh for the best rise.
• You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative, but it may slightly alter the texture.
• For a richer flavor, use butter instead of olive oil, or combine both.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to enhance the tahini flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently to restore softness.

Keywords: Turkish Tahini Sweet Rolls, Tahinli Ekmek, tahini rolls, Turkish bread recipe, sweet tahini bread, homemade bread, soft rolls