Homemade Raspberry Jam with a Little Syrup in the Dough Recipe
Making homemade raspberry jam and incorporating it into a dough with a touch of syrup creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. This recipe combines the tangy flavor of fresh raspberries with a slightly sweet dough, creating a balance that’s sure to please any palate. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
For the Raspberry Jam:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen if out of season)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or maple syrup
For the Filling and Assembly:
- ½ cup of the homemade raspberry jam (from the recipe above)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Making the Raspberry Jam
- Prepare the Raspberries: Begin by washing the fresh raspberries thoroughly. If you’re using frozen raspberries, allow them to thaw slightly. Place the raspberries in a large saucepan.
- Cook the Jam: Add the sugar and lemon juice to the raspberries. Stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken, about 10-15 minutes. The sugar will dissolve, and the raspberries will break down.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the jam is ready, drop a small amount on a cold plate and tilt it. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s done. If it runs, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
- Add Vanilla (Optional): If you like a hint of vanilla in your jam, stir in the vanilla extract just before removing the jam from the heat.
- Cool the Jam: Transfer the jam to a clean jar or bowl and allow it to cool completely before using it in the dough.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add the yeast mixture, milk, egg, and syrup. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Assembling the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon (if using) over the butter. Finally, spread a layer of the raspberry jam over the top.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up.
Step 4: Baking and Glazing
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are done, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
Step 5: Serving
Serve the raspberry rolls warm or at room temperature. The combination of the soft dough, sweet-tart raspberry jam, and the hint of syrup in the dough creates a delicious and comforting treat. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience.
Tips and Variations
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 3 months.
- Fruits: If raspberries aren’t your favorite, substitute with strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
- Add-ins: Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the filling for added texture and flavor.