Dessert - Croissants with Nutella by Cristina E. - Recipia
Nutella Croissants – a delicacy that combines the intense flavor of chocolate with the fluffy texture of the dough, perfect for a lavish breakfast or a sweet snack. This easy-to-make recipe can turn any ordinary day into a celebration of the senses. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 18-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour + 3 hours of rising
Number of servings: 8 croissants

Ingredients:
- 500 g all-purpose flour (ideal for a fine dough)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml warm milk
- 60 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar)
- 80 g butter (for a rich taste and creamy texture)
- 1 egg (for glazing)
- 1 tablespoon water

Step by step for Nutella croissants

Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, crumble 20 g of fresh yeast. Add one tablespoon of flour, one tablespoon of sugar, and 100 ml of warm milk. Mix well to dissolve the yeast. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast has been successfully activated.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a larger bowl, combine 500 g of flour, 60 g of sugar, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the activated yeast from the previous step. Start incorporating the flour gradually, using a spatula or a wooden spoon.

Once the yeast is incorporated, add the two eggs and a pinch of salt. Continue kneading the dough until it becomes smooth. Start adding the 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil gradually, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring the oil is well incorporated before adding the next tablespoon.

Step 3: Kneading
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. A practical technique is to push the dough with your palm, then fold it and repeat this process. When the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil.

Step 4: First rising
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.

Step 5: Shaping the croissants
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Take the first piece and, using a rolling pin, roll it out into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Brush the sheet with melted butter (80 g) and sprinkle sugar on top. Repeat the process with each piece of dough, stacking the sheets on top of each other, leaving the last one unbrushed.

After finishing with all the sheets, roll them together into a large sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut triangles about 10-12 cm wide. At the base of each triangle, add a teaspoon of Nutella (or jam, marmalade, depending on your preference).

Step 6: Rolling the croissants
Roll each triangle from the base towards the tip, forming the croissants. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another hour.

Step 7: Glazing and baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the croissants with this mixture. Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a glazed appearance and caramelized aroma. Bake the croissants for 18-20 minutes or until golden and fragrant.

Helpful tips
- Flour: Type 00 flour is ideal for achieving a fine dough, but you can also use regular flour, depending on your preference.
- Sugar: Brown sugar added at the end will give a slightly caramelized taste, but it can be replaced with white sugar if you prefer.
- Nutella: You can customize the filling to your taste, using melted chocolate, marmalade, or even vanilla cream cheese.
- Serving: These croissants are delicious served warm, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Share them with loved ones to spread the joy of baking.

Nutritional information
Nutella croissants are a delicious choice but should be consumed in moderation. Each croissant contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the filling. Sunflower oil and butter provide healthy fats, while the eggs offer essential proteins.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast. Activation is not necessary; just add it directly to the flour mixture.
- How can I store the croissants? The croissants keep well in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Can I freeze the croissants? Yes, after they have completely cooled, you can freeze them. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and, if desired, you can reheat them in the oven.

Possible variations
- Chocolate croissants: Replace Nutella with melted chocolate.
- Fruit croissants: Use fruit fillings, such as caramelized apples or pears.
- Savory croissants: Experiment with savory fillings, such as feta cheese and olives for a tasty appetizer.

These Nutella croissants are an excellent choice to bring a touch of joy to every day. So, prepare your ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! Enjoy!

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Dessert - Croissants with Nutella by Cristina E. - Recipia

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