Açma - Turkish Soft Bread Rings

Açma, also known as Turkish Soft Bread Rings, is a popular street food known for its soft, pillowy texture and rich, buttery taste. It is a staple at Turkish bakeries and makes a perfect breakfast on the go or tea-time snack.

Açma looks similar to bagels, but unlike bagels, açma is not boiled before baking. As a result, they are more delicate and have a fluffy texture. Some enjoy this soft, airy bread plain, while others prefer it stuffed with cheese or olives, always paired with a cup of Turkish Tea - Çay.

What Is Açma?

Açma is a type of Turkish bread roll shaped into a ring, similar in appearance to simit, Turkey’s famous sesame-crusted bread. While simit has a crunchy, chewy texture, açma is soft, fluffy, and buttery. Just like Paskalya Çöreği (Tsoureki) - Easter Bread, the dough is enriched with milk, butter, and sometimes yogurt to create a light yet rich bite.

This bread is a common breakfast item in Turkey, often sold by street vendors or in bakeries. It pairs beautifully with cheese, olives, jams, and a strong glass of Turkish tea.

Açma vs. Simit: What’s the Difference?

Many people mistake açma for simit due to their similar ring-like shape, but the two breads are quite different:

Feature	Açma	Simit
Texture	Soft, fluffy, buttery	Crunchy, chewy, slightly dense
Preparation	Made with butter and milk for richness	Coated in molasses and sesame seeds for a nutty, crispy crust
Baking Process	Directly baked in the oven	Dipped in molasses and rolled in sesame seeds before baking
Common Fillings	Cheese, olives, chocolate	Usually plain, sometimes with cheese

If you prefer a crispier, nuttier bread, simit is the way to go. But if you enjoy soft, airy bread with a rich, buttery taste, açma is a perfect choice.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Flour - All-purpose or plain flour works best for achieving the light and fluffy texture we are after.

• Milk - I use lukewarm full-fat milk or semi-skimmed milk to add softness and enhance the flavor. Skimmed milk wouldn't give the same results.

• Butter - Good quality unsalted butter gives acma its signature rich taste. It should be soft enough to be able to spread it on the dough but not melted.

• Egg – The egg white helps with the dough's texture, while the yolk is used as an egg wash to give a slight golden color. Use a medium-sized, fresh, free-range egg at room temperature.

• Yeast - You can use fast-action dry yeast, instant yeast, or fresh yeast to help the dough rise.

• Mahlab - It is the secret ingredient of Açma - Turkish Soft Bread Rings which gives it its unique aromatic fragrance. It has a sweet and fruity smell and when you're baking with Mahleb, the entire house smells like heaven.

How To Make Açma - Turkish Soft Bread Rings

Making these fluffy and buttery Açma - Turkish Soft Bread Rings is fairly easy. However, there are a few simple steps to follow for you to achieve the best results:

Prepare the Dough

Start by activating the yeast. Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, mahleb, and the egg white. 

Mix until a sticky dough forms. Alternatively, you can use your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 6-7 minutes on medium speed with a dough hook.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rings

Line 2 large baking trays with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, pinch the dough down to release the air. Lightly drizzle your worktop with a little oil, then place the dough on it.

Press the dough gently with your hands to stretch and thin it out to approximately 15" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm).

Once the dough is stretched enough, spread ¾ of the softened butter over it, then fold the edges toward the center.

Spread the rest of the butter on top and fold the dough again. Next, press down gently on the dough to shape it into a rectangular shape to a size of 10" x 17" (27 cm x 44cm).

Cut the dough into 16-18 strips about one finger width wide. Twist and shape the dough strips into bread rolls until all the dough is used up. 

Place the shaped açma on a lined baking sheet, leaving space for them to expand.

Second Rise and Bake the Bread Rings

Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rest for another 30 minutes. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a shiny, golden crust. Optionally, sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds for extra flavor.

Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Tips From the Chef

• When baking, always use an electronic scale for measuring your ingredients for accuracy.

• Use high-quality butter – The richness of açma depends on good butter.

• The butter should be soft enough to be able to spread over the dough but not melted.

• Let the dough rise properly – A well-risen dough creates the fluffiest texture.

Ways to Enjoy Açma

Açma is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

With a Cup of Turkish Tea - Çay as a part of Turkish Breakfast is the best way to enjoy açma.

Plain – Freshly baked and warm, straight from the oven.

With Cheese and Olives – A classic Turkish breakfast pairing.

With Jams or Honey – Adds a sweet touch.

Stuffed with Chocolate or Cheese – For a delightful surprise inside.

Storing and Reheating Açma

Açma is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later:

In the freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.

At room temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

In the fridge – Store for up to a week; warm slightly before eating.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more delicious Turkish breakfast pastry recipes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making these deliciously soft and fluffy Açma - Turkish Soft Bread Rings as much as you enjoy eating them! 🙂 

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!