Butter croissants

Fluffy Butter Crescents

Who doesn't love the warm and inviting aroma of freshly baked crescents? These indulgent treats, with a fluffy center and a golden crust, are perfect for enjoying at breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert. Whether you share them with loved ones or indulge yourself, butter crescents will bring smiles to anyone's face. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious crescents, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings (approximately 12 crescents)

Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour (use type 550 flour for best results)
- 1 egg yolk (for extra flavor and color)
- 25 g (1/2 cube) fresh yeast (make sure it’s fresh for optimal rising)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps the yeast to ferment)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to activate the yeast)
- Butter (for filling the crescents and for a rich taste)
- Egg white for brushing (for a golden and appetizing crust)
- Various seeds (sesame, caraway, flax, etc., for decoration)

The history of crescents is fascinating, with deep roots in pastry traditions. These wonderful treats have been made for generations, and each culture has added its own flavors and fillings. Crescents are often associated with moments of celebration and joy, and making them becomes a warm and happy family activity.

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by gently warming the milk until it is lukewarm. Add the sugar and stir a little to dissolve it. Then, crumble the fresh yeast into the lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the sign that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Practical tips:
- Always check the expiration date of the yeast to ensure it is fresh.
- If you don’t have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast, adjusting the amount to about 7 g.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Add half of the milk and yeast mixture to the flour. On top, add the egg yolk. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the rest of the milk.

Step 3: Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. You can add a little flour if the dough is too sticky. It is important for the dough to be well-kneaded to achieve fluffy crescents.

Step 4: Letting it rise
Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. A great idea is to use a Tupperware container with a lid, which helps the dough rise faster due to the enclosed environment.

Step 5: Shaping the crescents
After the dough has risen, divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, then cut the circle into about 8 wedges. At the base of each wedge, place a small cube of butter and roll the wedges towards the tip to form the crescents.

Step 6: Preparing for baking
Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to expand. Brush each crescent with egg white for a golden crust. Sprinkle various seeds on top for an attractive appearance and added flavor.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and let the crescents bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and fragrant. Here, I recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure even baking, as each oven can behave differently.

Practical tips:
- You can add various fillings between the dough wedges, such as jam, chocolate, or sweet cheese, to customize the crescents to your taste.
- Experiment with different types of seeds to add interesting texture.

Step 8: Serving
After the crescents are baked, let them cool for a few minutes on the tray, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for breakfast as well as a quick snack during the day.

Nutritional benefits:
Crescents are a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed to start the day. By adding seeds, you can benefit from essential fatty acids and fiber. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, as each crescent has approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of butter used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I freeze the crescents?
Yes, you can freeze the crescents after they have completely cooled. Place them in a sealed freezer bag and keep them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for a quick snack.

2. What other fillings can I use?
Besides butter, you can use fruit jams, cream cheese, or melted chocolate. Be creative and experiment with different combinations.

3. How can I make the crescents lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of butter or use light butter. You can also try replacing some of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Butter crescents are not just a culinary delight, but also an excellent way to bring joy and warmth into your home. So, don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and start the kitchen adventure to prepare these fluffy and aromatic treats. Enjoy your meal!