Croissants with Finetti

Finetti Croissants - An Irresistible Delight

Who can resist a fluffy croissant filled with Finetti? This Finetti croissant recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds. The rich chocolate flavor perfectly blends with the airy texture of the dough, resulting in a true delicacy. I invite you to discover each step of this recipe with me, along with useful tips and tricks that will help you achieve perfect croissants that will be the highlight of any meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 croissants

Necessary Ingredients:

- 1 kg flour
- 500 ml milk
- 4 eggs (3 whole eggs and 1 egg white)
- 250 g sugar (about a full cup)
- 100 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 30 g fresh yeast
- Rum essence (1-2 tablespoons)
- A pinch of salt
- Finetti (enough for filling)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Granulated sugar (for decoration)
- 3 tablespoons of milk (for the brushing mixture)

Step 1: Preparing the Yeast

Start by making the yeast mixture, an essential step for achieving fluffy dough. In a small bowl, combine 30 grams of fresh yeast with a tablespoon of flour and a bit of warm milk. Mix well and let it rise until it doubles in volume, about 10-15 minutes. This step will activate the yeast and add air to the dough.

Step 2: Creating the Dough

In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks together with 250 grams of sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. Heat 500 ml of milk (do not boil!) and gradually add it to the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid cooking the eggs. Add the rum essence and mix well.

After the yeast has risen, add it to the bowl with the milk and yolk mixture. Sift the flour and begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the melted and cooled butter. Knead well until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This step is crucial for achieving a fine and fluffy texture.

Step 3: First Rising

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40-45 minutes, until it doubles in volume. A useful technique is to place the dough in an turned-off oven with a cup of hot water to create a warm and humid environment.

Step 4: Shaping the Croissants

After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a work surface. Divide it into 6-8 roughly equal balls. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a round circle. Divide the circle into four triangles. On each triangle, place a tablespoon of Finetti and roll towards the tip of the triangle, forming the croissant. Make sure the filling is well sealed in the dough.

Step 5: Second Rising

Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Let them rise again for about 15 minutes. This step will make them even fluffier.

Step 6: Brushing and Baking

In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the 3 tablespoons of milk and brush the croissants with this mixture. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a crunchy and sweet effect. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and browned.

Step 7: Serving

Let the croissants cool slightly before serving. They are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a cup of fresh coffee or a fragrant tea. They are also perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet snack during the day.

Practical Tips:

1. Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients to achieve a more homogeneous dough, and the butter should be melted but not hot to avoid affecting the yeast.

2. Varied Fillings: You can experiment with different fillings, such as fruit jams, chocolate, or cream cheese. Be creative!

3. Storage: Croissants can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to respect the equivalence (1 gram of fresh yeast is approximately equal to 0.3 grams of dry yeast).

2. How can I make the croissants even fluffier? Make sure to let the dough rise sufficiently and knead well to develop the gluten.

3. What drinks pair well with croissants? These delicious croissants pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.

Finetti croissants are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to bring joy and comfort into every day. So dare to try them and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones!