Some recipes feel like a warm hug from the past—Sweet Bread Rolls, also known as Shoreek, are one of those. If you grew up around Middle Eastern or Mediterranean bakeries, you may remember the smell hitting you before you even stepped through the door: warm yeast, sugar, and that unmistakable aroma of fresh dough. Shoreek carries that same nostalgic comfort, the kind that turns a simple afternoon into something special.
These rolls are soft, lightly sweet, and beautifully golden, with sparkling sugar on top that gives them their signature look. They’re perfect with a cup of tea, dipped into hot chocolate, or sliced open and slathered with butter. What makes them especially wonderful is how accessible they are—you don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients. Just a little patience, a warm kitchen, and the willingness to embrace the joy of homemade bread.
Let’s bring the aroma of fresh bakery rolls into your home with this straightforward, rewarding recipe.
Recipe Overview
Sweet Bread Rolls (Shoreek) are soft, slightly sweet spiraled rolls made from a tender yeast dough. They’re shaped into beautiful coils, brushed with a fragrant egg wash, sprinkled with sugar, and baked until perfectly golden. These rolls are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings, offering both visual appeal and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon dry instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup oil or melted butter
- 1 cup warm milk
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
For the egg wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl—or the bowl of your stand mixer—combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and instant yeast. Mixing everything together ensures the leavening agents distribute evenly, helping your rolls rise beautifully.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, beat one egg with vanilla extract. With the mixer running (or while stirring by hand), add the egg mixture and oil or melted butter to the dry ingredients.
This step begins transforming the flour into a soft, enriched dough—similar to brioche but much simpler.
3. Add Warm Milk and Knead
Slowly pour in the warm milk, letting the dough come together. Continue kneading for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Tip: The milk should be warm—not hot—to avoid killing the yeast. Aim for around 110°F/43°C.
4. First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—usually about 1 hour depending on room temperature.
A warm oven (turned off) or sunny window ledge works perfectly.
5. Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the rolls bake evenly.
6. Divide and Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (a kitchen scale helps, but eyeballing works too).
Roll each piece into a ball first—this ensures smooth shaping—then roll it into a long rope about 12–14 inches long.
7. Form Spirals
Take each rope and gently coil it into a spiral, like a cinnamon roll but without filling. Tuck the end underneath so it doesn’t pop out during baking.
Place each spiral onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them well to allow room for rising and spreading.
8. Second Rise
Cover the shaped spirals with a towel and let them rise again until slightly puffy—about 20–30 minutes. This second rise gives the rolls their pillowy, bakery-style texture.
9. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar
Whisk together the egg, water or milk, and optional vanilla to create a glossy egg wash. Brush the tops generously, then sprinkle with granulated sugar for that classic Shoreek sparkle.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the middle of a 350°F (175°C) oven at first. After the rolls begin to set, move them to the upper third of the oven to finish baking and develop that gorgeous golden-brown color.
Bake until lightly browned and aromatic—usually around 15–20 minutes. Cool on a rack and enjoy warm.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Flavor Enhancements
- Add orange zest, lemon zest, or cardamom to the dough for extra warmth and fragrance.
- Brush finished rolls with melted butter for an even softer bite.
2. Filling Options
While traditional Shoreek is plain, you can get creative:
- Roll ropes around cream cheese, Nutella, or sweetened coconut for a delightful surprise.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the dough before shaping.
3. Dairy-Free Version
Swap milk with warm almond or oat milk, and use oil instead of butter. The rolls stay incredibly soft.
4. Troubleshooting Rise Issues
If your dough isn’t rising:
- Ensure your yeast is fresh.
- Warm up your kitchen—yeast thrives in cozy temperatures.
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast properly.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Keep the rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat in a warm oven for fresh-baked softness.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or cream cheese.
- Pair with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
- Use leftover rolls to make sweet mini sandwiches or breakfast sliders.
These rolls also shine on holiday tables, brunch spreads, or as a cozy afternoon treat.
Sweet Bread Rolls (Shoreek) are more than just baked goods—they’re a celebration of homey flavors, soft textures, and the joy of baking something beautiful from scratch. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or yourself, they never fail to bring warmth and comfort to the table. With simple ingredients and a delightfully rewarding process, this recipe is one you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Let the scent of freshly baked rolls fill your kitchen and invite everyone to enjoy a bite of homemade sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Shape and rise again before baking.
2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely. Just dissolve it in warm milk first and let it activate for 5–10 minutes.
3. Why move the rolls to the upper third of the oven?
This helps develop a deep golden top without overbaking the bottoms.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—this dough scales beautifully. Just use extra baking sheets.
5. Why are my rolls dense?
This usually means not enough rising time or using cold/expired yeast.
Soft, sweet, and perfectly golden, these Sweet Bread Rolls (Shoreek) are easy to make and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or gatherings. A beautiful bakery-style bread you can bake at home!