Flavored croissants with jam and nuts or cheese

Fragrant croissants with jam and walnut or cheese

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

Discover the magic of a traditional recipe that brings a touch of warmth to every home. The fragrant croissants with jam and walnut or cheese are a delight that combines the sweet taste of jam with the crunchy texture of the dough, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a journey into the universe of flavors, reminiscent of moments spent with family.

Basic ingredients

For the starter:
- 400 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 20 g dry yeast (or one cube of fresh yeast)
- 250 g flour

For the dough:
- 2 kg flour (as needed)
- 1 l milk
- 300 g sugar
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 6 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- 1 cup oil

For the jam filling:
- Plum jam or any preferred jam
- Chopped walnut

For the cheese filling:
- 300 g cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

For brushing:
- 1 egg

Preparing the starter

Start by preparing the starter, an essential step for achieving fluffy dough. Gently heat the milk with sugar, being careful not to boil it. Add the flour and yeast, mixing well with a wooden spoon until you obtain a uniform composition. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot. Wait for it to double in volume - this process can take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the ambient temperature.

Preparing the dough

Once the starter has risen, prepare the dough. In a large bowl, place the flour and add a pinch of salt. Then add the risen starter, beaten eggs, and warm milk, but not hot, along with sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Gradually pour in the milk, mixing constantly. Once all the flour is incorporated, add the oil little by little, kneading the dough well. Knead until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl - this can take about 10-15 minutes.

After obtaining an elastic and smooth dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place.

Preheating the oven

While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Ensure that the temperature is evenly distributed for perfect baking.

Preparing the fillings

Meanwhile, prepare the fillings. For the jam filling, mix the jam with the chopped walnut. If you prefer the cheese filling, combine the crumbled cheese with the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar, mixing well until homogeneous.

Shaping the croissants

Once the dough has risen, divide it into four balls, each approximately the same size. Roll each ball on a floured surface to obtain a sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut the sheet into small squares and add a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the square inward, forming a croissant.

Brushing and baking

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each croissant with it to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Place the croissants on a greased baking tray, ensuring to leave enough space between them, as they will puff up during baking.

Bake the croissants for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and appetizing. The delicious aromas will spread throughout the house, drawing your whole family around the table.

Serving and suggestions

After the croissants have cooled slightly, serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. These croissants are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even as dessert. Try pairing them with fruit preserves or fine ice cream - the combination will be irresistible!

Useful tips

- If you want to enhance the flavor of the croissants, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the cheese filling or use flavored jams, such as raspberry or apricot.
- Make sure to follow the steps carefully, and the rising time is respected - this aspect is crucial for obtaining fluffy dough.

Frequently asked questions

1. What type of yeast can I use?
You can use either dry yeast or fresh yeast. Make sure the yeast is active and has been stored correctly.

2. Can I freeze the croissants?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked croissants. Place them on a tray, let them cool, then put them in an airtight container and freeze. When you want to serve them, let them thaw and bake according to the instructions.

3. How can I modify the recipe to make it healthier?
You can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or use natural sweeteners.

Nutritional benefits

Croissants with jam and walnut or cheese are a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, providing energy for the whole day. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and cheese provides essential calcium for bones.

Enjoy this delicious recipe and add a touch of love to every serving! Whether you savor them in the morning with a cup of coffee or offer them as dessert, your croissants will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!