Nazook (Sweet Persian Pastry)

Nazook is a rich Persian pastry which is not too sweet, and wonderful with tea or coffee. I developed this version while trying to reproduce a commercial product from a bakery in Salem, OR. I think mine is much better. This is definitely not for people who are watching their fat intake.

• Preparation Time: 60 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 336 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• ½ cup butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 egg whites
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 pound butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon plain yogurt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Mix 1 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons sugar, and yeast together in a bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes. Mix in egg, vinegar, and oil.

Step 3

Pour 3 cups flour into a large bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter, working it into the flour until mixture is the consistency of meal. Stir in sour cream mixture until dough comes together.

Step 4

Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth but still slightly tacky, about 10 minutes. Cut dough into 4 pieces and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

Step 5

Mix melted butter, 2 1/2 cups sugar, and vanilla extract together in a very large bowl to make filling. Stir in 4 cups flour. Beat in egg whites.

Step 6

Roll a piece of dough into an 8x12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. Crumble 1/4 of the filling mixture on top, leaving a 1/2-inch border on the long sides. Cover filling with plastic wrap; flatten out with a rolling pin. Roll dough into a tight roll, starting with one of the long sides.

Step 7

Cut roll into 2-inch pieces at a slight angle. Arrange pieces on a rimmed baking sheet. Push tops down gently to flatten slightly. Repeat with remaining 3 pieces of dough and filling.

Step 8

Whisk egg yolks and yogurt together to make glaze. Brush glaze over pieces of dough.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool before serving, about 15 minutes.