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Bay Leaf-Scented Spoon Rolls
© William Meppem

Bay Leaf-Scented Spoon Rolls

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: MAKES 2 DOZEN ROLLS
  • MAKE-AHEAD

  1. 2 cups warm water
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 2 envelopes active dry yeast
  4. 4 cups self-rising cake flour
  5. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 sticks cold unsalted butter, diced, plus 4 tablespoons melted
  8. 3 cups sour cream
  9. 24 bay leaves
  1. Butter two standard-size 12-cup muffin pans. In a small bowl, mix the water, sugar and yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the cake and all-purpose flours with the salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles small peas. Stir in the yeast mixture with a wooden spoon until blended. Stir in the sour cream until combined.
  3. Spoon the dough into the prepared muffin pans and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat the oven to 400°. Spike each roll with a bay leaf and bake for 10 minutes. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter and bake for 15 minutes longer, or until golden. Pull out the bay leaves and serve warm.
Make Ahead The rolls can be stored overnight at room temperature in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350° oven. The unbaked rolls can be covered and refrigerated overnight in the pans. Let stand, uncovered, in a warm, draft-free spot for 2 hours before baking. Notes Cooking Club Tip: Self-rising flour is all-purpose flour or cake flour mixed with salt and a leavening agent. If you can't find self-rising flour, sift 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt with every 2 cups of flour.
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