Croissants with Nutella or nuts and honey

Fluffy Croissants with Nutella or Walnut and Honey

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will enhance any meal, fluffy croissants with Nutella or walnut and honey are the perfect choice. This recipe is ideal for any occasion - whether you want to impress guests, pamper your family, or simply enjoy a sweet treat, these croissants are the perfect option. They smell wonderful in the house, and the fluffy texture will turn every bite into a pleasure.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 croissants

Ingredients:
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 grams) or 25 grams of fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 250 ml of warm milk
- 500 grams of flour
- 25 grams of soft butter, at room temperature
- 1 egg
- 100 grams of ground walnuts (for the walnut version)
- Nutella (for the chocolate version)

The history of croissants is fascinating, as they are a very popular pastry product worldwide. Over time, they have evolved from simple recipes made of flour and water into refined creations full of flavors and various fillings. These croissants are inspired by the tradition of making yeast dough, which gives a light and airy texture, perfect for being filled with delicious ingredients.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the starter: Start by activating the yeast. Put the yeast in a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of warm water, and mix well. Sprinkle a little flour on top and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a larger bowl, add the flour, the rest of the ingredients (warm milk, honey, soft butter, and egg), and the risen starter. If you don’t have honey on hand, you can use 3-4 tablespoons of sugar, which you will dissolve in milk. It is important for the dough to have a homogeneous, cohesive look, and for the bowl to remain clean.

3. Kneading the dough: Turn the dough out onto the work surface and start kneading it. This is the time to add a little flour or milk if necessary. The more airy the dough is, the fluffier the croissants will be. The dough should not be hard and should not stick; if it does stick, add a bit of flour. Once you have finished kneading, put the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour.

4. Shaping the croissants: After the dough has risen, roll it out with a rolling pin on the work surface, not too thin. Cut it into sections in the shape of rays: first in half, then in quarters, then in eighths, until you get triangles. This is the perfect time to add the desired filling: at the base of each triangle, place a tablespoon of Nutella or a tablespoon of ground walnuts mixed with honey.

5. Rolling the croissants: Start rolling the croissants from the base of the triangle to the tip. Make sure the tips are slightly bent towards the center to achieve an elegant shape. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Preparing for baking: In a small bowl, mix an egg yolk with a teaspoon or two of warm milk. Brush the croissants with this mixture to achieve a golden and attractive crust. If desired, you can sprinkle brown sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy. The whole house will be filled with a wonderful smell, and the anticipation will grow with each passing minute.

8. Final indulgence: Once baked, let the croissants cool slightly before enjoying them. Serve them warm, alongside a fragrant tea or coffee. These croissants are great both as a dessert and as a snack between meals.

Useful tips:
- If you want to keep the croissants fluffy for the next day, you can wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them slightly before serving.
- Experiment with different fillings: sweet cheese, chocolate, fruit jams, or combinations of sweet and savory ingredients to create delicious variations.
- If you are short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry, but nothing compares to the fresh taste of homemade dough.

Nutritional benefits:
These croissants, although a dessert, can also offer nutritional benefits, especially if you opt for healthy fillings. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, while honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidant properties. Additionally, milk contributes to calcium intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace dry yeast with fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 25 grams of fresh yeast instead of the packet of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it the same way.

2. What can I use instead of honey?
If you don’t have honey, sugar is a good alternative. Maple syrup or agave syrup can also be used to add sweetness.

3. How can I adjust the recipe to make it healthier?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour, and for the filling, opt for walnuts and dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants.

These croissants with Nutella or walnut and honey are not just a delight, but also an opportunity to spend quality time in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into delicious masterpieces. So gather your ingredients and start your culinary adventure!