Bear Claws Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the delightful aroma and flavor of Bear Claws, crafted from a traditional sweet dough infused with luscious dried fruit and crunchy nuts. This versatile recipe offers the option to incorporate either canned apple or canned blueberry pie fillings, adding a burst of fruity goodness to every bite.
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads 🍞
Keywords: Breads, Fruit, Nuts, Healthy, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 294.1
- Fat Content: 8.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 45.1mg
- Sodium Content: 272.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 51g
- Fiber Content: 2.9g
- Sugar Content: 22.4g
- Protein Content: 6.2g
Servings: 18
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Margarine | 1/2 cup |
| Warm Water | 2 cups |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2 packages |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Unsifted Flour | 4 1/2 cups |
| Dates | 2 cups |
| Raisins | 1 1/2 cups |
| Fresh Lemon Rind | 3/4 cup |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sweet Dough:
- Begin by scalding the milk.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, and butter until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.
- In a large bowl, sprinkle the warm water over the active dry yeast, stirring until dissolved.
- Add the lukewarm milk mixture, eggs, and half of the flour, beating until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the remaining flour until a stiff dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat the top with grease.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
-
Prep the Filling and Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, divide it in half.
- Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface into a 9-by-18-inch rectangle.
- Brush the rolled-out dough with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine the dates, raisins, lemon rind, 1/2 cup of nuts, and 3 tablespoons of sugar to create the filling.
- Sprinkle half of the filling mixture over the dough.
- Fold one-third of the dough over the center, then fold again to create a 3-layer strip measuring 18 inches long.
- Pinch the ends to seal, then cut and divide the strip into 9 equal 2-inch sections.
- Make four 1/4-inch cuts in one side of each section.
- Place the sections on greased baking sheets and shape them into bear claws by separating the four cut sections.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
-
Final Steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create an egg wash.
- Brush the rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle them with the remaining 1/4 cup of nuts and sugar.
- Allow the rolls to rise, uncovered, until doubled in bulk, which typically takes about one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the bear claws for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tender sweet dough, succulent fruit, and crunchy nuts with these delectable Bear Claws. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack any time of day, these treats are sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of homemade goodness with every bite! 🐻🥐
