Chocolate and peanut butter pillows

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pillows

If you're looking for a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a smile to your face, you've come to the right place! Chocolate and peanut butter pillows are a perfect choice for those who want to combine the crunchy texture of puff pastry with a decadent filling. This recipe is not only simple, but it will also delight your guests, leaving them wanting more. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pillows

Ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry (approximately 400 g)
- 100 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
- 100 g peanut butter (preferably creamy)
- 50 g unsalted roasted peanuts, lightly crushed
- 1 egg (for brushing)

Before you start, it's important to familiarize yourself with the ingredients. Puff pastry is very versatile and can be used in multiple recipes, from savory appetizers to desserts. Dark chocolate adds an intense, deep note, while peanut butter provides a rich creaminess and delicious flavor. The roasted peanuts will add a crunchy contrast, making each bite even tastier.

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw completely. This step is crucial; make sure the dough is soft and easy to handle, but don’t let it become sticky. Once thawed, roll it out lightly on a clean surface sprinkled with a little flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cutting the dough
Divide the dough into squares of approximately 10 cm by 10 cm. These will be the base for your delicious pillows. You can use a knife or a grater to ensure the squares are uniform.

Step 3: Filling the pillow
On half of the cut squares, place a teaspoon of peanut butter and another teaspoon of melted chocolate (you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, being careful not to burn it). Make sure the filling does not exceed the edge of the square to avoid leaks.

Step 4: Assembling
On the half of the squares without filling, brush the edges with beaten egg. Then, place the filled square on top of the unfilled one, pressing the edges gently to ensure they stick well. Brush the top of the pillow with beaten egg and sprinkle the crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the pillows on the tray, leaving enough space between them to expand. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serving
After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a special appearance, but also for an added sweet taste. These pillows are best enjoyed warm, but they are just as delicious at room temperature.

Useful tips:
- If you don't have peanuts, you can experiment with walnuts, almonds, or even coconut flakes for a different variation.
- Instead of dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- These pillows can be served alongside a scoop of ice cream, a cup of coffee, or a fragrant tea, turning them into the perfect dessert for a relaxing evening.

Nutritional benefits:
These chocolate and peanut butter pillows contain a combination of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants from chocolate, making them a healthier option compared to other processed desserts. However, moderation is essential, considering the calories added by sugar and fats from peanut butter.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and will save you time.
2. How can I store the pillows?
I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can be reheated slightly in the oven to regain their crispness.
3. Is it possible to make the filling without peanut butter?
Of course! You can use almond paste or cream cheese for a different variation.

So gather your friends around the table and enjoy these chocolate and peanut butter pillows. They are quick, easy to make, and, most importantly, delicious! Enjoy!