Contents
Riga Yeast Crescent Rolls
Soft, golden Latvian crescent rolls made from fluffy yeast dough — a heartwarming treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g sugar
- 150 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 egg + 1 for brushing
- 250 ml warm milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Crumble yeast into flour and mix into a fine breadcrumb texture.
- Add sugar, soft butter, egg, warm milk, vanilla, and salt.
- Knead until you form a soft, smooth ball of dough – use a stand mixer if you have one.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 3 hours, poking occasionally with your finger 😉.
- Divide dough into equal parts, roll each into an oval, and shape into crescents by pulling the edges and rolling them towards you 5–6 times.
- Place rolls on a greased baking tray, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Brush with beaten egg diluted with a splash of water.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes, until golden.
- Let cool slightly and dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
Riga Yeast Crescent Rolls – A Taste of Latvian Home Baking 🥐🇱🇻
If there’s one aroma that instantly brings back memories of cozy kitchens and homemade treats in Latvia, it’s the smell of freshly baked yeast crescent rolls. Known locally as Rīgas rauga rullīši, these soft, golden pastries are a beloved staple of Latvian home baking. During my visit to Riga, I couldn’t stop falling in love with the local bakeries — the scent of butter, vanilla, and warm dough lingered in the air like a hug. Once I got home, I knew I had to recreate the experience. And guess what? These rolls are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking!🧡 What Makes Riga Crescent Rolls Special?
✔ Fluffy and light texture thanks to slow-proofed yeast dough.✔ Golden crust brushed with egg wash for a beautiful finish.
✔ Irresistibly simple – no fancy ingredients or equipment required.
✔ Customizable – enjoy them plain or with sweet fillings like jam, poppy seeds, or nuts. These rolls strike the perfect balance between comforting tradition and universal appeal — ideal for breakfast, tea time, or a cozy weekend bake.
🌟 Why You'll Love These Latvian Rolls
🥐 Beginner-friendly – No need to be a pro baker!🥰 Authentic Latvian flavor – Straight from Riga’s heartwarming kitchens.
🕒 Slow rise, rich taste – Letting the dough rise for hours brings out deep flavor.
🎨 Fun to shape – Rolling and twisting the dough is oddly satisfying! Whether served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or with a dollop of jam, these rolls are pure bliss.
🍽️ What to Serve With Crescent Rolls
• With coffee or black tea for a traditional Baltic breakfast• Alongside fruit jam or honey
• As a sweet treat after a savory Latvian meal
• Packed in a picnic basket – perfect for road trips through the Latvian countryside! Latvian recipes
