The shortcrust pastry roll is a simple and delicious dessert, perfect for breakfast or a snack. It is made with a crispy pastry shell that encloses a soft and tasty heart, perfect for slicing.
In this version, I filled it with chocolate, but you can personalize it as you like: it’s also delicious with Nutella, apricot jam or strawberry jam. The most delicate part is rolling the shortcrust pastry with the filling, but if you let it rest in the refrigerator for a while, it will work perfectly without breaking.
An irresistible aroma, a crumbly texture, and that “homemade” taste that always wins hearts: that’s why the shortcrust pastry roll is one of those desserts I often prepare, especially on quiet afternoons.
Let’s prepare it together!
See you soon, Susy
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 1 Hour
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 12
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 284.03 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 35.42 (g) of which sugars 19.61 (g)
- Proteins 3.85 (g)
- Fat 15.20 (g) of which saturated 8.74 (g)of which unsaturated 5.14 (g)
- Fibers 1.88 (g)
- Sodium 40.93 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 60 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 for the shortcrust pastry roll
- 4.5 oz butter
- 4.5 oz sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 orange zest (grated)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch baking powder
- 7 oz chocolate
- 1 tbsp hazelnut crumbs
- 1 tbsp sugar crystals
- Bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
How to prepare the shortcrust pastry roll
In a large bowl, place the room temperature butter and sugar, then quickly knead with your hands until you obtain a creamy consistency.
Add the egg, grated orange zest, and a pinch of salt, mix again, and finally add the flour and baking powder.
Work the dough just enough, without heating it too much, so that the pastry remains crumbly and perfect.
Form a smooth ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours or even for the entire day.
The shortcrust pastry can also be frozen: just put it in a food bag and store it in the freezer until use.Remove the shortcrust pastry from the refrigerator and let it soften for a few minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: break the chocolate into a bowl and melt it in a double boiler or in the microwave at low temperature.
Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured board, shaping it into a rectangle, and transfer it onto a sheet of parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate in the center and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Gently roll the pastry, using the parchment paper to help, being careful not to break it. Place the roll on a baking sheet, brush it with a bit of water, and sprinkle with hazelnut and sugar crumbs.
Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. When the surface is golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing.
Storage and useful tips
The shortcrust pastry roll keeps perfectly for 3-4 days under a glass dome or in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.
You can also make it in advance and slightly warm it before serving: it will return crumbly and fragrant, as if just baked.
👉 For a more indulgent variant, you can fill it with Nutella or pistachio cream, or use apricot jam for a more rustic and genuine version.
For an even more beautiful effect, dust with powdered sugar before serving: simple, homemade, and irresistible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill the shortcrust pastry roll with jam?
Of course! It’s great with apricot, strawberry, or cherry jam. I recommend spreading it when the pastry is still slightly soft, so it won’t break while rolling.
Can I prepare the shortcrust pastry roll in advance?
Yes, you can easily make it the day before. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator if it’s hot. Before serving, you can slightly warm it to make the pastry soft and fragrant again.
