Crowned with candied cherries

Captivating recipe for cherry crown pastries

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-15 pastries

Cherry crown pastries are a perfect delicacy for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends, a festive meal, or simply a sweet treat for loved ones. These delights, with a fluffy and aromatic interior, are enriched with candied cherries and citrus peel, offering an explosion of flavors and textures. Let’s get started!

Necessary ingredients:
- 800-1 kg flour (choose a high-quality flour with an appropriate gluten content for a fluffy texture)
- 150 g sugar
- 250 ml milk (can also be plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 125 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 3 eggs + 2 yolks
- 50 g candied cherries (make sure they are of good quality)
- 100 g finely chopped candied citrus peel (orange and lemon for a vibrant taste)
- 150 g raisins (you can also use golden raisins for a touch of color)
- powdered sugar, for decoration
- a pinch of salt
- lemon zest (optional, for an extra flavor)

Step by step preparation:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the sugar and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour. Meanwhile, heat the milk until warm (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast).

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 5 tablespoons of warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a very fluffy dough.

3. Combining ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the well in the flour, add the whole eggs and yolks, along with the melted margarine. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the rest of the milk until the dough becomes smooth.

4. Kneading: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Adding the filling: Once the dough is well kneaded, add the candied cherries, citrus peel, and raisins. Knead gently to incorporate them evenly.

6. Letting it rise: Form a ball from the dough and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

7. Shaping the crowns: After the dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into circles, then join them to create the crown shape. Place the crowns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

8. Resting: Cover the crowns again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the crowns for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

10. Serving: Let the crowns cool on a rack. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an attractive look and sweet taste. These crowns are delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Personal suggestion: For an extra flavor, add a few drops of vanilla or rum essence to the dough. You can also experiment with different types of candied fruits or nuts to customize this recipe.

These cherry crown pastries are a perfect choice for a quick and simple yet impressive dessert. Try them and enjoy every bite!