Croatian Povitica

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup walnuts, finely ground
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened for greasing

Instructions

1. 1In a small bowl, combine warmed milk, yeast, and 1 tsp granulated sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt.
3. 3Add yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter to the flour mixture; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. 4Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
6. 6While dough rises, mix ground walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract for the filling.
7. 7Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a 12×18-inch rectangle.
8. 8Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
9. 9Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
10. 10Coil the log into a greased 9-inch round pan, tucking the end underneath.
11. 11Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
12. 12Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
13. 13Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.