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Mucenici Moldovenesti (Romanian Walnut-Coated Pastries)

Mucenici Moldovenesti (Romanian Walnut-Coated Pastries)

Diana Oana
Fluffy, aromatic, braided rolls or wreath covered with a generous layer ofhoney and chopped walnuts.
4.92 from 47 votes
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
 
 

The dough:

For the assembly and serving:

  • 1 egg
  • 50 ml honey
  • 100 g ground walnuts

Instructions
 

The dough:

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Warm the milk slightly.
  • Mix the lukewarm milk with the dry yeast and set it aside for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, whisk, then add the flavorings (vanilla essence and lemon zest).
  • Gradually fold in the flour and knead for a few minutes by hand.
  • Add the soft butter and continue kneading until you have a compact and very elastic dough.
  • If you have a planetary mixer, follow the steps above and knead with the dough hook. I can honestly say that for me, who has been cooking for need and pleasure for so long, a planetary mixer is lifesaving. So, I highly recommend a planetary mixer, whether it's Kitchen Aid (number one in the top), Thermomix (which is so much more than a planetary mixer) or a different brand.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl/food container and leave to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles its volume.
  • When the dough has doubled its volume, turn it out onto a floured surface, shape it into a ball and divide it into equal parts, which you then shape into balls.
  • Punch a hole in the middle of each dough ball and widen it until you get a donut shape. Twist the donut into a figure eight. This is a Moldavian mucenic. Place them in a baking pan lined with parchment paper, leave at room temperature for another 20 minutes. You can also shape them according to the attached photo.
    Mucenici Moldovenesti (Romanian Walnut-Coated Pastries)
  • In the meantime heat the oven to 180° C/ 356° F, no fan

Assembling, baking & serving:

  • Brush the rolls with egg and bake at 180° C/ 356° F for 30-35 minutes.
  • While they are still warm, brush them with honey and sprinkle with ground walnut mixed with some sugar (optional).
  • A glass of cold milk is the lifelong friend of these Moldavian rolls!
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Mucenici Moldovenesti (Romanian Walnut-Coated Pastries)
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