Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls are special because they offer two textures at once:
- Crispy, caramelized outside
- Soft and creamy filling
- Light sweetness
- Easy ingredients
- Great for family treats or guests
The balance between crunch and cream makes them irresistible. They taste best warm when the filling is soft and the outer layer is perfectly crisp.
Ingredients
For the Crepe-Style Wrappers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Filling
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying & Finishing
- Vegetable oil or butter for pan frying
- Sugar mixed with cinnamon (optional) for coating
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Non-stick frying pan
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Piping bag or spoon
Step 1: Preparing the Cream Filling
Start with the filling so it has time to cool.
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will gradually thicken into a smooth custard.
Once thick:
- Remove from heat
- Add butter and vanilla
- Mix until glossy
Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and let cool completely. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Wrapper Batter
In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until combined.
Add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add flour and whisk until smooth and lump-free.
The batter should be thin — similar to crepe batter — so the wrappers stay light and flexible.
Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Cooking the Wrappers
Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour a small amount of batter and swirl quickly to form a thin circle.
Cook about 1 minute until lightly golden, then flip and cook another 20–30 seconds.
Stack cooked wrappers on a plate and cover with a towel to keep them soft.
Step 4: Filling the Rolls
Once wrappers are cool, place one on a flat surface.
Add a spoonful of cream near one edge. Fold sides inward and roll tightly like a small burrito.
Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Make sure rolls are tight so filling doesn’t escape أثناء القلي (during frying).
Step 5: Frying for Crispy Texture
Heat a little oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
Place rolls seam-side down and fry until golden brown. Turn gently to crisp all sides.
You don’t need deep frying — shallow frying works perfectly.
Once golden:
- Remove and place on paper towels
- Roll in sugar or cinnamon sugar while warm
This gives the outside that caramelized sweet crunch.
Step 6: Serving
Serve warm for best texture. The outside will be crispy while the inside remains soft and creamy.
You can also drizzle with:
- Chocolate sauce
- Honey
- Caramel
- Powdered sugar
Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep wrappers thin and flexible.
- Cool filling before rolling.
- Don’t overfill or rolls may break.
- Fry on medium heat to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrappers tearing
- Batter too thick
- Overcooked wrappers
Filling leaking out
- Rolls not sealed tightly
- Too much filling
Not crispy
- Pan not hot enough
- Too much moisture on rolls
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Cream Rolls
Add cocoa powder to filling.
Coconut Cream Version
Replace part of milk with coconut milk.
Fruit Style
Add sliced bananas or strawberries inside.
Nutella Option
Spread thin layer of chocolate before adding cream.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate up to 2 days.
- Reheat in frying pan or oven for crisp texture.
- Avoid microwave — it softens the outside.
Why This Dessert Is So Popular
These cream-filled rolls are simple yet elegant. They look fancy but are made with basic ingredients found in most kitchens. The combination of creamy custard and crispy wrapper makes them comforting and satisfying without being overly heavy.
They are perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Ramadan desserts
- Afternoon snacks
- Special breakfasts
Final Thoughts
Crispy cream-filled rolls are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a bakery-style dessert at home. With soft homemade cream, thin golden wrappers, and a lightly sweet crispy coating, every bite is warm, creamy, and delicious.