“It’s a classic Venezuelan dessert or snack and the recipe is usually passed down from one generation to the next. You can enjoy Golfeados at any time or occasion; they're as versatile as they are delicious.”
by Zandalee Ortega Rio who works in our Quality Service Center in Genoa, Italy
These sweet and cheesy buns bring a piece of Venezuelan bakery culture to your kitchen.
Golfeados are one of Venezuela’s most beloved pastries – soft, spiraled buns enriched with papelón (unrefined cane sugar), cheese, and warm spices. Though they may resemble cinnamon rolls at first glance, they have an unmistakable identity of their own, with a a sweet-savoury balance created by the caramel notes of unrefined cane sugar and the salty crumble of queso blanco (white cheese).
Traditionally sold in bakeries and roadside stalls, golfeados are the kind of treat that families make together, passing down their technique and small variations from one generation to the next. They’re enjoyed at any time of day, whether warm for breakfast, shared over afternoon coffee, or offered as a simple dessert after a meal.
Their versatility is what makes them special. Each batch is a little indulgent and comforting, full of flavors that define Venezuelan home baking.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Preparation time: 120 min
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g sugar
- 10 g salt
- 10 g dry yeast
- 250 ml warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 75 g melted butter
For the filling:
- 150 g grated white cheese (you can also use mozzarella or salty ricotta)
- 100 g papelón (brown sugar or cane sugar)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the syrup:
- 100 g papelón (brown sugar or cane sugar)
- 100 ml water
- 1 cinnamon stick
For the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g sugar
- 10 g salt
- 10 g dry yeast
- 250 ml warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 75 g melted butter
For the filling:
- 150 g grated white cheese (you can also use mozzarella or salty ricotta)
- 100 g papelón (brown sugar or cane sugar)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the syrup:
- 100 g papelón (brown sugar or cane sugar)
- 100 ml water
- 1 cinnamon stick
Preparation:
Prepare the dough:
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Add the warm milk, eggs and melted butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead it for about 10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. Prepare the filling:
In a second bowl, combine the grated cheese, papelón (or brown sugar) and cinnamon. Set aside. Assemble the cheesy rolls and bake them:
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle the cheese filling over the rolled-out dough. Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into pieces about 5 cm thick. Place the pieces on a greased baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Prepare the syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water and cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly. Serve the golfeados venezolanos:
Once the cheesy rolls are ready, remove them from the oven and pour the hot syrup over them. Variations & Tips:
Golfeados Venezolanos can be customized with different types of cheese, added nuts, or even chocolate, to cater to various tastes – create your own family recipe!
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