Turkish Tahini Sweet Rolls (Tahinli Ekmek) Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Check yeast expiry: Make sure the instant yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date to ensure the dough rises properly.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, butter, olive oil, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and vanilla extract until combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare filling: Mix the tahini and sugar until well combined.
- Divide dough: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal balls.
- Roll dough: On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter.
- Spread filling: Spread about 1 tablespoon of tahini-sugar mixture over each circle, leaving a 1 cm border around edges.
- Form rolls: Roll each circle into a log, then roll it back and forth gently until it is about 30 cm (12 inches) long.
- Shape spirals: Shape each log into a tight spiral, then lightly flatten with your hands.
- Second rise: Place spiraled rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets with space between them. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- 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.
- Sprinkle seeds: Lightly sprinkle sesame seeds over the egg-washed rolls.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- 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
