There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread—warm, sweet, and nostalgic. Shoreek, also known as Egyptian Sweet Bread Rolls, is one of those traditional treats that instantly fills your home with that irresistible bakery-style scent. Soft, pillowy, and delicately sweet, these golden spiraled rolls have been enjoyed for generations, often served with tea, coffee, or simply enjoyed warm on their own.
Shoreek is more than just bread; it’s a reminder of family gatherings, holidays, and cozy afternoons where something freshly baked pulled everyone together. The dough is simple, the shaping is fun, and the result is absolutely beautiful. Each roll bakes up soft inside with a lightly sweet crust, thanks to the sugar sprinkled before baking. Whether you’re new to baking or already love making homemade bread, these rolls are wonderfully rewarding.
What makes Shoreek especially great is how customizable and forgiving the recipe is. Use butter or oil, choose simple toppings, or add fragrant spices—the dough adapts beautifully. Let’s dive into this beloved classic and bring the joy of freshly baked sweet rolls into your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
These Sweet Bread Rolls (Shoreek) are soft, lightly sweet spiraled rolls made with simple pantry ingredients. The dough rises twice, creating an airy, tender texture, and each roll is brushed with a glossy egg wash and sprinkled with sugar before baking. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving alongside coffee or tea.
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)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and dry instant yeast. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution and proper activation of the yeast.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with the oil or melted butter. Begin mixing on low speed or by hand until everything is incorporated.
3. Add Warm Milk & Knead
Gradually pour in the warm milk while mixing. Continue kneading for several minutes until a soft, elastic dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Tip: If the dough feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time. If too sticky, sprinkle in a little flour until it comes together.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This usually takes 1 to 1½ hours.
5. Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough is rising, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the rolls bake evenly.
6. Divide the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions. You can weigh each piece for perfect consistency or eyeball it.
7. Shape the Rolls
Take each piece and roll it between your hands or on a lightly floured surface to create a long rope (about 12–14 inches). Coil the rope into a spiral shape, tucking the end under to secure it.
Tip: The tighter you roll the spiral, the taller and fluffier the roll will bake up.
8. Second Rise
Place the shaped spirals onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough room for them to expand. Cover again with a towel and allow them to rise until puffy—about 30 minutes.
9. Make & Apply the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water or milk, and optional vanilla extract. Brush each roll gently with the egg wash, then sprinkle with granulated sugar for a sweet, sparkling finish.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls on the middle rack until they begin to firm up. Then move the tray to the upper third of the oven and continue baking until deep golden brown. This two-level baking technique helps achieve an even bake and a beautifully colored top.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Tips & Variations
Use Different Aromatics
Adding orange zest, cardamom, or a splash of rosewater gives the rolls a Middle Eastern bakery-style flavor.
Butter vs. Oil
- Butter makes the rolls richer and more fragrant.
- Oil makes them slightly softer and keeps them fresher longer.
Make Them Extra Sweet
Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar for a dessert-like version.
Add Fillings
For a fun twist, roll the dough ropes with:
- Cinnamon sugar
- Sweetened coconut
- Chocolate spread
Freeze for Later
Shoreek freezes beautifully! Freeze after shaping (before second rise) or freeze baked rolls and rewarm later.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to soften.
Serving
These sweet rolls pair perfectly with:
- Morning tea or coffee
- A warm glass of milk
- Honey or jam
- A brunch spread
Their soft texture and delicate sweetness make them ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Sweet Bread Rolls, or Shoreek, are the kind of recipe that brings warmth and happiness into any kitchen. They’re simple, beautiful, and incredibly satisfying to make. From mixing the dough to forming those signature spirals, every step feels comforting—and the final result is pure, soft perfection. Whether you’re baking for your family, for guests, or just for the joy of fresh bread, these rolls always deliver. Bring tradition, flavor, and a touch of sweetness to your table with this timeless recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Bring to room temperature before shaping.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace up to 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, but rolls will be denser.
3. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your milk is warm—not hot—and that your yeast is fresh.
4. Can I skip the egg wash?
The rolls will still bake fine, but they won’t have the same shine or golden color.
5. Why move the rolls to the upper third of the oven?
This helps them brown evenly, giving them that bakery-style golden top.
Soft, sweet, and beautifully spiraled, these Sweet Bread Rolls (Shoreek) are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for breakfast or snacking. A traditional favorite baked to golden perfection.
