Desert snails with walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon

The dessert "walnut, raisin, and cinnamon snails" is a dish that combines simplicity with flavor, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This quick dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself after a long day.

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 snails

Ingredients

- 400 g thawed puff pastry
- 150 g walnuts
- 30-40 g raisins
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 egg
- Powdered sugar with vanilla flavor for decoration

Brief history

This dessert emerged from the desire to create a quick delicacy using simple yet flavorful ingredients. Walnut and raisin snails are a variation of yeast dough dishes, but the use of puff pastry gives them a slightly crunchy texture that melts in your mouth. Cinnamon brings warmth and an inviting aroma, evoking childhood memories when the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the house.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients you will use. Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed, and the walnuts are coarsely chopped. You can use a rolling pin to crush them, but do not turn them into powder - you want to feel their texture in every bite. Mix the walnuts with the raisins and vanilla sugar for an even flavor.

2. Filling mixture
In a small bowl, combine the crushed walnuts, raisins, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture will form the delicious filling that will give flavor to your snails. If you like more intense flavors, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon.

3. Preparing the dough
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Make sure the sheet has an even thickness. Then, sprinkle the walnut, raisin, and cinnamon mixture over the entire surface of the sheet.

4. Forming the snails
Rolling the sheet is an essential step. Start from one edge and gently roll it up, forming a tight log. After you have rolled the entire sheet, use a sharp knife to cut the log into slices about 2-3 cm thick.

5. Placing in the baking tray
Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the snails in the tray, leaving some space between them, as they will expand during baking.

6. Brushing with egg
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each snail with a pastry brush. This step will give a tempting golden color and a crispy crust.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the snails for 25-30 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. It's good to keep an eye on them in the last few minutes, as each oven may bake differently.

8. Decorating
Once the snails have cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar with vanilla flavor on top. This will add a touch of sweetness and an elegant appearance.

Useful tips

- Variations of the filling: You can replace walnuts with hazelnuts or pistachios, and raisins with dried cranberries for a tart note.
- Serving: These snails are wonderful both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
- Recommended beverages: A cup of fruit tea or a flavored coffee will perfectly complement the dessert's flavors.

Nutritional benefits

These snails contain walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. Raisins add fiber and iron, while cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe as it saves time and provides excellent texture.

2. How can I store the snails?
You can store the snails in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before baking.

3. What other flavors can I add?
Experiment with flavors like rum essence or almond extract for a different taste.

In conclusion, the dessert "walnut, raisin, and cinnamon snails" is a versatile and easy-to-make dish, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or give it as a special gift, every bite will be a revelation of taste and texture. Enjoy!