Croissants and small breads with jam and raisins

Croissants and Little Breads with Jam and Raisins

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 24-30 croissants and little breads

The warmth of an oven filled with goodies and the enticing aroma of cherry jam and caramelized raisins remind us of special moments spent with family. Croissants and little breads with jam and raisins are a recipe that combines tradition with flavor, making them ideal for a hearty breakfast or as a sweet snack. These delicious treats, fluffy and melting in your mouth, are worth trying by all cooking enthusiasts, regardless of their level of experience.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 480 g flour (choose a quality bread flour to achieve an elastic dough)
- 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature for better integration into the dough)
- 200 ml milk (warm, but not hot, to activate the yeast)
- 70 g butter (melted but allowed to cool slightly)
- 50 g sugar (can be replaced with brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor)
- 20 g yeast (fresh or dry, both will work)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 vanilla essence (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh and citrus taste)

*For the filling:*
- Cherry jam (or any other preferred jam, like sour cherries or apricots)
- Raisins (soaked in rum for a more intense flavor)

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon of milk (for a golden and shiny crust)
- 2 teaspoons honey + 1 tablespoon of milk (for a sweet and glossy finish)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, a little flour, and warm milk. Stir gently and let sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is an essential step to ensure the yeast is active.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, activated yeast, melted butter, and warm milk. Add the vanilla essence and lemon zest. Mix with a spatula until homogeneous, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky.

3. Rising: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. If you are short on time, a quick method is to preheat the oven to 50°C, then turn it off and place the bowl with the dough inside for 30 minutes.

4. Shaping the croissants and little breads: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal parts. From two parts, roll out a round sheet with a rolling pin, ensuring the thickness is even. Cut each circle into 8 triangles. On each triangle, add a teaspoon of cherry jam and a few raisins. Roll from the base of the triangle to the tip, forming the croissant. From the third part of the dough, form small balls that will become the little breads.

5. Placing on the tray: Place the croissants and little breads on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to expand. Cover them with a towel and let rise for another 10-15 minutes.

6. Brushing: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the milk and brush the croissants and little breads with this mixture for a golden crust. After baking, brush them with honey diluted in warm milk for a delicious finish.

7. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden. At first, keep the temperature higher to allow them to rise well, then reduce it and move the tray to the upper part of the oven for even baking.

8. Cooling: After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let the croissants and little breads cool on a rack. Cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm and fluffy.

Serving: These croissants and little breads are delicious served warm, but they are just as good at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or turn them into a savory dessert by adding a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour and replace the sugar with honey or natural sweeteners.
- Experiment with various jams or fillings, such as apricot jam, chocolate cream, or chopped nuts.
- Store the croissants and little breads in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, it is recommended to use 7 g of dry yeast.
- How can I keep the croissants and little breads fresh for longer? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or in the fridge, but consume them within a few days to maintain the fluffy texture.
- Can I freeze the croissants? Yes, they can be frozen after baking, and you can reheat them in the oven to restore their original freshness.

These croissants and little breads with jam and raisins are not just a simple recipe but an invitation to enjoy beautiful moments with loved ones. Savor every bite and don't forget to share this recipe with friends!