Croissants with jam and nuts

Sweet and Nut Croissants – A Family Delight

Who doesn’t fondly remember moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones, cooking treats that fill the house with aromas? Sweet and nut croissants are a dessert that brings together tradition and innovation, offering a culinary experience full of warmth and love. These little delights, with a tender dough and delicious filling, are perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 3 trays of croissants

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 150 g Rama Maestro (70% fat)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 150 ml warm water
- 100 ml cider
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- Flour as needed (approximately 400 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- Strawberry jam
- Plum jam
- Ground walnut

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, start by creaming the butter or margarine (Rama Maestro) with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This is the stage where the butter will perfectly incorporate with the sugar, bringing an airy texture to the dough. Then, add the egg, salt, and warm water, mixing well to obtain a uniform composition.

Step 2: Adding dry ingredients
Now, it’s time to integrate the cider into the mixture. The acidity of the cider will give your croissants a unique flavor. Start adding the flour and baking powder gradually, mixing with a spatula until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Here, it is essential not to add too much flour at once; the dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Resting the dough
Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, leading to more tender croissants.

Step 4: Shaping the croissants
After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out a thin sheet. Cut the dough into long strips, about 3-4 cm wide. For the filling, combine the strawberry jam and plum jam with a little ground walnut. These will not only add a delicious taste but also a crunchy texture.

Step 5: Rolling the croissants
On each strip of dough, add a teaspoon of filling, then roll the strip to form a coil. Finally, cut the coil into small pieces of your desired size. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them for even baking.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to a medium temperature. Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes until they become lightly golden. It is essential to keep an eye on them, as they should remain white to maintain their fluffy texture. Once out of the oven, cover them with a kitchen towel to keep them soft.

Step 7: Serving
Once they have cooled slightly, you can dust them with sugar for a more attractive appearance. These croissants are perfect as a family dessert but also for giving as gifts to loved ones. Place them in a metal cookie box to keep them fresh for longer.

Useful tips:
- For an even more intense aroma, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the dough.
- Replace the strawberry jam with other types of jam, such as raspberry or peach, to vary the flavor of the croissants.
- If you want to make them healthier, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.

Nutritional benefits:
Sweet and nut croissants are a good source of carbohydrates, providing the necessary energy for an active day. Walnuts add healthy fats and proteins, contributing to a balanced diet. Cider, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants, making them not only delicious but also a bit healthier.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of fat instead of Rama Maestro?
Yes, you can use butter or margarine, but make sure the texture is similar.

2. How can I keep the croissants longer?
Store them in metal boxes at room temperature to prevent drying.

3. Can I freeze the croissants?
Yes, you can freeze them, but it is recommended to place them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, sweet and nut croissants are an excellent choice. These little indulgences will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a celebration of taste. So put on your apron, gather your family, and start the culinary adventure! Enjoy your meal!