Croissants

Tender crescent rolls with filling - a classic, beloved, and nostalgic recipe

If you are looking for a quick dessert that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of joy in every bite, tender crescent rolls with filling are the perfect choice. These delicious treats are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family reunions, and are very versatile, being able to be filled with jam, Turkish delight, or nuts, depending on your preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rest time: 1-2 hours (or ideally overnight)
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: 40-42 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 50 crescent rolls

Ingredients:
- 1 cup lard (or 200 g)
- 1 cup borscht (or sparkling water)
- Yeast the size of a walnut (approximately 20 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Vanilla essence (1-2 teaspoons)
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)
- 1 egg
- Filling: Turkish delight, jam, ground nuts (depending on preferences)

The story of crescent rolls:
Crescent rolls are a tradition in many cultures, often associated with moments of celebration and sharing joy. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but what is certain is that every family has its own recipe and its own secrets for preparation. These delicious delicacies are often made with love and care, symbolizing hospitality and the warmth of home.

Preparation method:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour together with the baking powder into a large bowl. This step is essential to achieve a fine and homogeneous texture. Then, dissolve the yeast in a little warm sparkling water or borscht, adding the vanilla sugar for extra flavor. While the yeast activates, you can focus on the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
Once the yeast is well dissolved, add it to the flour, along with the rest of the cold sparkling water, lard, egg, and vanilla essence. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until the dough becomes homogeneous and easily separates from the walls of the bowl. The correct consistency should be similar to that of play dough - soft but easy to shape.

Step 3: Resting the dough
Now it’s time to let the dough rest. I strongly recommend putting it in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight. This stage not only improves the texture but also allows the flavors to develop better.

Step 4: Shaping the crescent rolls
After the dough has rested, divide it into four equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Cut the sheet into triangles, and at each tip add your chosen filling (Turkish delight, jam, or ground nuts). Roll each triangle starting from the tip furthest from you, forming the crescent roll.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 350°F). Place the crescent rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden. It’s important to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 6: Finishing
Once baked, take the crescent rolls out of the oven and let them cool slightly. While they are still warm, dust them with vanilla sugar to give them a special appearance and a sweet aroma.

Serving suggestions:
Crescent rolls are perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, but they can also be a delicious dessert for a festive meal. You can offer them as gifts to loved ones, beautifully wrapped in decorative boxes.

Possible variations:
Experiment with different fillings! You can try melted chocolate, cream cheese, or even dried fruits. If you want to give them an exotic touch, add some spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use margarine instead of lard?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. Lard gives a special flakiness to the crescent rolls.

2. Can I freeze the crescent rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked crescent rolls. Make sure they are completely cooled before putting them in the freezing container. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature.

3. How can I improve the appearance of the crescent rolls?
You can brush the crescent rolls with a beaten egg before baking for a golden and shiny crust.

Nutritional benefits:
Crescent rolls are a source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour, but remember that, being a dessert, they should be consumed in moderation. The fillings can add extra nutrients, depending on your choice - nuts are rich in healthy fats, while jam brings vitamins from fruits.

Calories:
One serving (one crescent roll) contains approximately 60-80 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of sugar used.

In conclusion, these tender crescent rolls are not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring joy and warmth into your home. Whether you choose to make them for yourself or for your loved ones, each bite will be a true celebration of flavor! Enjoy!