Description
Carnival Roses (Rose di Carnevale) are delicate Italian fried pastries traditionally made during Carnevale. Crafted from a thin, lightly sweet dough and shaped into blooming roses, they fry into crisp, golden treats that are dusted with powdered sugar and optionally filled with jam or cream.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rum or fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For frying:
- 3–4 cups (750 ml–1 liter) vegetable oil
- For decoration:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup apricot jam or pastry cream (optional)
- Candied cherries or berries (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter and rub into dry ingredients until crumbly.
- Stir in eggs, milk, rum (or juice), vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Wrap dough and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough very thin, about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) thick.
- Cut three different-sized circles (3 in, 2.5 in, 2 in) for each rose.
- Make four small evenly spaced cuts around each circle’s edge without cutting the center.
- Stack circles largest to smallest and press firmly in the center to seal.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 1–2 roses at a time, gently pressing the center so petals open. Fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on paper towels and cool.
- Fill centers with jam or cream if desired.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Roll dough very thin for crisp, delicate petals.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent oil absorption.
- Unfilled roses store better at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for best presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rose (unfilled)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
