Simply Ensaymada (Filipino Version)

Here's an easier version of Ensaymada recipe I have tested, the kind that you will find in any corner bakery in the Philippines, not Goldilocks or Red Ribbon version.  Good with hot chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp caster sugar(superfine) plus extra for sprinkle (may be substituted with granulated sugar)
• 2/3 cup warm water  (110 degrees F)
• 1 envelope  Active Dry Yeast
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter (softened) plus 2 tbsp melted
• 4 egg yolks
• 8 tbsp warm milk
• 1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Dissolve 1 tsp of the sugar in warm 2/3 cup water, then sprinkle dry yeast.  Stir and set aside for 10 minutes or until frothy.
2. Sift flour and salt into a large bowl
3. Cream softened butter with remaining sugar in a mixing bowl until light & fluffy.
4. Beat in egg yolks and 1/4 cup of sifted flour
5. Gradually stir in the remaining flour with yeast mixture and just enough warm milk to form a soft dough, but not sticky.
6. Transfer dough to an oiled plastic bag.  Close the bag loosely for the dough to rise.  Leave in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in bulk.
7. On a lightly floured surface, knock back the dough, then roll it into a large rectangle.  Brush the surface with 1 tbsp melted butter and finely grated cheese, then roll up from the long side like a Swiss roll.
8. Knead the dough thoroughly to distributed the cheese, then divide dough into 12 pieces.
9. Roll each dough into a thin rope, about 15 inches long.
10. On a greased baking sheet, coil each rope into a loose spiral, spacing them well apart.  Tuck loose ends under to seal.
11. Leave to rise, in a warm place, for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
12. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 - 425 degrees F.
13. Bake Ensaymadas for 15-20 minutes until golden.
14. Cool lightly for about 10 minutes, spread top with softened or spreadable butter and sprinkle with caster (superfine) sugar.  Roll buttered ensaymada in granulated sugar if you do not have caster/superfine sugar.
15. Best if served immediately, otherwise, wrap individually in plastic wrap and keep refrigerated.  Remove plastic wrap and warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving

Note:  Finely grated cheese may be omitted prior to baking, instead sprinkle top with the finely grated cheese before serving.