Soft Saffron Rolls: Easy and Tasty Recipe: If there is one thing that always brings warmth and magic in the kitchen, it is homemade rolls. Today, I propose Saffron Rolls, a perfect recipe for any special occasion or an afternoon of pure culinary creativity. Soft, golden, and with an unmistakable aroma, these rolls are a hug of flavor and tradition.
Why Prepare Them?
Saffron rolls are not only a delight for the palate but also an experience that brings people together. Preparing them with family is a precious moment, an opportunity to teach the little ones the importance of patience, creativity, and collaboration. Recently, I prepared them with my son for a school assignment, and we had a lot of fun: me as the “director” and him as the “chef”. Together we learned that cooking is also a way to grow, share and learn.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 1 Day
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 6
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Santa Lucia
- Energy 159.98 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 22.00 (g) of which sugars 4.01 (g)
- Proteins 3.71 (g)
- Fat 6.86 (g) of which saturated 4.32 (g)of which unsaturated 2.38 (g)
- Fibers 0.83 (g)
- Sodium 1.98 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 65 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.42 cup milk (or water)
- 1 egg
- 0.42 oz fresh yeast
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 sachet saffron
Steps
In a bowl, sift the flour and add the sugar and a pinch of salt.
Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and add the saffron, mixing well to combine everything.
Add the melted butter and the egg, then pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the flour.
Knead until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. Cover with a cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.Take the dough and divide it into 8-10 portions. Shape into ropes and twist the ends in opposite directions to create the typical shape.
Place a raisin in the center of each spiral as decoration.Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Brush the rolls with a beaten egg and bake at 392°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until they are nicely golden.
Saffron is the key ingredient: choose a high-quality one for an intense and authentic aroma.
If you prefer a sweeter texture, you can add a pinch more sugar.
Store the rolls in a plastic food bag or airtight container to keep them soft longer.
These rolls are perfect not only to be enjoyed but also to be shared. Try them yourself and tell me about your experience!
Storage:
At room temperature: We can store the soft saffron rolls in an airtight container for 2-3 days. This way they will retain their softness.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the rolls. Once completely cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap or put them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. When you want to consume them, just defrost them at room temperature or heat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Tips:
Saffron: You can add saffron powder directly to the dough or, for a more intense flavor, dissolve it in a bit of warm water before adding it.
Roll shapes: If you want smaller rolls, divide the dough into smaller portions. If you prefer larger rolls, you can increase the size of the dough balls.
Adding seeds: For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, you can decorate the surface of the rolls with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.
Notes:
Leavening: If the dough does not rise enough, try keeping it in a warm place, like inside the oven with the light on or covered with a damp cloth. Leavening may take longer in cold temperatures.
Egg for glazing: If you want a golden and shiny surface, brush the rolls with a beaten egg before baking.

Soft Saffron Rolls: Easy and Tasty Recipe
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare the soft saffron rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them as needed.
How can I get a more intense saffron flavor in the rolls?
For a more pronounced flavor, dissolve the saffron directly in the warm milk with the yeast before adding it to the dough. I recommend using saffron powder directly in the dough, but the flavor will be more delicate.
Can I add other ingredients to the soft saffron rolls dough?
Of course! You can add ingredients like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even herbs to vary the flavor. Remember not to overdo it with the additional ingredients, to maintain the soft texture of the rolls.

