Bosnian Sweet Cheese and Walnut Pastry Rolls
Orasnice sa Sirom i Orasima
Delicate, flaky pastry rolls filled with a sweet mixture of soft cheese and finely ground walnuts, often flavored with a hint of lemon zest or cinnamon. These are a popular treat for special occasions and holidays, offering a delightful balance of creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 250 g Butter, cold and cubed
- 2 Egg yolks
- 100 g Sour cream or yogurt
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 200 g Soft white cheese (like sir), crumbled
- 150 g Ground walnuts
- 100 g Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 Egg white, lightly beaten (for brushing)
- to taste Powdered sugar (for dusting)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
๐ก Tip: Keeping the butter cold is crucial for flaky pastry. - 2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sour cream/yogurt. Add this to the flour mixture and mix until just combined, forming a dough. Do not overmix.
๐ก Tip: The dough should come together but still be slightly crumbly. - 3
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
๐ก Tip: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and roll. - 4
While the dough chills, prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled cheese, ground walnuts, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the walnuts are finely ground for a smoother filling. - 5
Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
๐ก Tip: Preheating ensures even baking. - 6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle, about 3-4 mm thick. Spread the cheese and walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
๐ก Tip: Try to spread the filling as uniformly as possible. - 7
Carefully roll up the dough from the long side to form a log. Slice the log into 2-3 cm thick rolls.
๐ก Tip: Use a sharp knife to get clean slices. - 8
Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with lightly beaten egg white.
๐ก Tip: Egg white gives a nice sheen to the pastry. - 9
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
๐ก Tip: Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. - 10
Let cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack. Dust generously with powdered sugar once cooled.
๐ก Tip: Dusting with powdered sugar while slightly warm helps it adhere better.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โIf you don't have soft white cheese, ricotta or a mild farmer's cheese can be substituted, but drain any excess liquid.
- โAdd a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth.
- โFor a richer flavor, a tablespoon of melted butter can be added to the filling.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of rosewater to the filling for a floral note.
- Use a mix of walnuts and almonds for the filling.
- Instead of rolls, cut the dough into squares and fold them into triangles before baking.