Cheese Croissants

Cheese Croissants - Tender and Aromatic Delights

If you're looking for a quick dessert that delights with its tender texture and delicious cheese filling, cheese croissants are the perfect choice! These little treats are ideal for a sweet snack, a special occasion, or simply to indulge your family and friends. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Baking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Number of servings: 20 croissants

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 250 g)
- 250 g soft cheese (ideal for spreading on bread, with 5% fat)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g butter-flavored margarine (make sure it's soft)

For the filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese
- Zest from 1 lemon (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- 3 tablespoons vanilla sugar
- Raisins (approximately 50 g, soaked in warm water)
- A pinch of salt

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the soft cheese with the soft margarine. Use a spatula or mixer to mix them well until you achieve a smooth mixture. Add the egg, baking powder, and flour gradually, mixing continuously until the dough becomes uniform. It should be soft and easy to shape, but not sticky.

2. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the soaked and drained raisins, mixing well. This filling will add a sweet-sour note to your croissants.

3. Forming the croissants:
On a floured work surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into triangles. At the base of each triangle, place a generous spoonful of the cheese filling.

4. Rolling the croissants:
Start rolling the triangles from their base, making sure to shape them well. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between them to bake evenly.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. You can brush the croissants with a beaten egg for a glossy appearance, but this step is optional. Bake the croissants for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be irresistible!

6. Finishing:
Once baked, take the croissants out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a sweet and elegant finish. These croissants are excellent both warm and cold.

Tips and Tricks

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla essence to the filling.
- Instead of raisins, you can also use other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, to vary the flavor.
- Serving: These croissants are wonderful alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Try them with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
- Storage: If there are leftover croissants, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. They can also be frozen for a quick snack!

Nutritional Benefits

These cheese croissants are a good source of protein from the cheese and eggs, and using cottage cheese adds extra calcium. While they are a sweet treat, consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can try goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.

2. How can I make the dough healthier?
You can replace margarine with coconut oil or butter, and white flour with whole wheat flour.

3. Can I make the croissants without eggs?
You can use an egg substitute (for example, 1/4 cup of applesauce) to make these croissants vegan.

A personal note

I grew up with these croissants in my grandmother's house, where the aroma of fresh cheese intertwined with that of sweet bread every Sunday. Each bite reminds me of joyful moments spent with loved ones. I encourage you to try them and share these moments with those you love. Enjoy!