Almond croissants

Almond Croissants – a fragrant delight for special moments

Total time: 2 hours (including one hour of refrigeration)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Number of servings: 20 croissants

Dear reader, today I invite you into the aromatic and textured world of almond croissants, a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of magic to your gatherings with friends. These croissants are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a fragrant coffee or a warm tea, turning any moment into an unforgettable memory.

A brief history of croissants takes us back to when bakers from various corners of the world showcased their skills through refined creations, often inspired by local traditions. Almond croissants are a perfect example of merging simple ingredients with ingenious preparation techniques, resulting in desserts that bring us joy and comfort.

Basic ingredients

- 280 grams of flour (preferably type 000 for a finer texture)
- 1 egg (at room temperature for better mixing)
- 200 grams of butter (make sure it is of good quality for a perfect taste)
- 60 grams of sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more complex flavor)
- 1 vanilla bean or vanilla essence (natural flavor is always preferred)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 100 grams of ground almonds (you can also use roasted almonds for an intense flavor)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, ground almonds, seeds from the vanilla bean (or essence), and salt. Mix the dry ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon to combine.

2. Creating the well: In the center of the mixture, form a well. Here you will add the egg and diced butter. It is essential that the butter is at room temperature to incorporate more easily.

3. Kneading the dough: Use your fingertips to combine the ingredients, being careful not to over-knead. The process should not take more than a few minutes – the goal is to obtain a homogeneous and firm dough. When the dough becomes compact, form a large ball.

4. Refrigerating the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to solidify, which will help the croissants maintain their shape while baking.

5. Shaping the croissants: Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. On a lightly floured work surface, take a portion of the dough and roll it out into a thin sheet. Cut circles using a glass or a special tool. Each circle will be transformed into croissants by folding them into a crescent shape.

6. Baking: Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden. Do not leave them too long, as they may dry out.

7. Finishing: Once baked, let the croissants cool slightly, then dust them with plain sugar or vanilla sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

Practical tips

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add grated lemon or orange zest to the dough. These will provide a fresh note that complements the almonds perfectly.
- Don’t forget to choose your almonds carefully. Roasted almonds will add a special flavor, but make sure they are not salted.
- To prevent the croissants from sticking, sprinkle flour on the work surface and your hands, especially when shaping the crescents.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can replace almonds with pecans or hazelnuts, but make sure to grind them well to achieve an even texture.
2. How can I keep the croissants fresh? If not consumed immediately, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Freezing them is another excellent option. You can keep them in the freezer and take them out a few hours before serving.
3. What drinks pair well with the croissants? These croissants are delicious alongside an espresso or a fruit tea. Additionally, a sweet wine or sparkling wine can make a perfect pairing.

Possible variations

- Chocolate croissants: Add a few pieces of dark chocolate to the dough for a decadent version.
- Jam croissants: Fill each croissant with a teaspoon of apricot or raspberry jam before baking.
- Cinnamon croissants: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm and comforting flavor.

Almond croissants are not just a dessert, but an experience that brings friends together and brings joy in every bite. So, don’t hesitate to make them and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Bon appétit!