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    Home / Balkan Kitchen / Kifle

    Kifle

    Kifle are tender, golden crescent rolls with a soft crumb and a faint sweetness, often hiding a spoonful of jam or soft cheese inside.

    ⏱ 40 minPrep time
    🔥 20 minCook time
    🍽 16Servings
    🏷 Balkan KitchenCategory
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    Kifle are tender, golden crescent rolls with a soft crumb and a faint sweetness, often hiding a spoonful of jam or soft cheese inside. They smell like a Balkan grandmother’s kitchen.

    These crescents are a beloved breakfast and coffee-table staple across the region, served warm with butter or jam. They are equally lovely alongside a bowl of hot, rustic soup.

    Balkan recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm milk; let stand 10 minutes until foamy.
    2. Beat the butter, egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt; mix in the sour cream and the yeast mixture.
    3. Stir in the flour to make a soft dough; knead 5 minutes, then let rise 1 hour until doubled.
    4. Roll the dough into a large circle and cut into 16 wedges. Place a small spoonful of jam on each and roll from the wide end.
    5. Curve into crescents on a baking sheet, rise 20 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, until golden.
    6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Roll the crescents gently so the jam doesn't leak, and pinch the ends to seal. These freeze beautifully before baking — just add a few extra minutes in the oven.

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    Recipe details

    Prep40 min
    Cook20 min
    Servings16
    CategoryBalkan Kitchen
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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