Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 12 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
  • 2 (3/4 ounce) envelopes fast rise yeast (total 4 1/2 teaspoons)
  • 1 12 teaspoons salt
  • 1 12 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 34 cup milk
  • 12 cup water
  • 1 34 cups butter, divided (3 1/2 sticks)
  • 2 eggs, divided
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 14 cup jelly or 14 cup preserves, divided

Method

  • In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, undissolved yeast, salt and lemon zest.
  • Heat milk, water and 1/4 cup butter until very warm (120 - 130 degrees).
  • Gradually add to flour mixture.
  • Beat 2 minutes with electric mixer at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally.
  • Separate 1 egg; refrigerate white in a covered bowl.
  • Add 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed.
  • Stir in cornstarch and remaining 2 1/4 cups flour to make a soft batter.
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, bring the remaining 1 1/2 cups butter to room temperature Spread softened butter on waxed paper, forming a 12-by-10-inch rectangle.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Roll chilled dough to a 16-by-12-inch rectangle on a lightly greased surface.
  • Center the rectangle of chilled butter over the dough; pat butter gently into dough.
  • Fold into thirds by folding the long sides in over the center.
  • Give dough a quarter turn; roll it into a 16-by-12-inch rectangle.
  • Again fold dough in thirds.
  • Turn dough, roll and fold once more.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; chill 1 hour.
  • Roll dough into a 16-by-12-inch rectangle.
  • Fold in thirds, turn dough, reroll to a 16-by-12-inch rectangle and fold again.
  • Chill for 1 hour.
  • Repeat Step 6, refrigerating dough overnight.
  • Divide dough in half; return one portion to refrigerator.
  • Roll the other half to a 12-by-6-inch rectangle.
  • Cut into 12 (6-by-1-inch) strips.
  • Twist each strip 3 times, then coil and tuck end under coil.
  • Make a deep indentation in the center of each roll; fill with 1/2 teaspoon jelly.
  • Place rolls on greased baking sheets.
  • Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Chill rolls for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a small bowl, combine egg white and 1 tablespoon water to make an egg glaze.
  • Stir to blend.
  • Brush rolls with egg glaze; sprinkle lightly with sugar.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
  • Remove from sheets; let cool on wire rack.