Fluffy buns with apples and cinnamon

Fluffy Apple and Cinnamon Croissants - The Perfect Recipe for a Happy Snack

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: about 16 croissants

Who doesn’t love a fluffy, warm, and fragrant croissant filled with sweet apples and cinnamon? This recipe for fluffy apple croissants is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to add a touch of joy to the happy snack of your loved ones. Originating from pastry traditions, this simple recipe has been adapted by me with a few modifications to achieve a slightly unique texture and intense flavor.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 650 for a soft texture)
- 7 g dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar with cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to activate the yeast)

For the filling:
- 600 g peeled and cored apples (tart apples are best)
- 60 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For finishing:
- Oil for greasing the work surface and trays
- 4-5 tablespoons flour for kneading
- 2 egg yolks + 2 tablespoons milk for a shiny egg wash
- Sugar for sprinkling on top of the croissants

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the dry yeast and mix a little. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit for 15 minutes at room temperature. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, add the salt, sugar, vanilla sugar with cinnamon, and eggs. Make a well in the center where you will add the lukewarm milk and oil. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough.

3. Kneading: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and transfer the dough. Knead for about 5-10 minutes, gradually adding flour until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Form a ball from the dough and cover it with a damp towel, letting it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, peel and core the apples, then grate them. Place them in a pot, add the sugar, and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the juice from the apples reduces. Finally, add the ground cinnamon and let the filling cool.

5. Shaping the croissants: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle oil on the work surface and roll out the dough into an even thickness (about 5 mm). Cut triangles with a base of about 10 cm. At the base of each triangle, place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling and roll the dough from the base to the tip, sealing the edges well to form the croissant.

6. Placing in the tray: Place the croissants in a greased tray lined with baking paper. Let them rise for another 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the egg yolks with the milk and brush each croissant to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

7. Baking: Sprinkle sugar on top of the croissants and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the croissants cool on a rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for a delicious breakfast or sweet snack.

Serving suggestions: These fluffy apple and cinnamon croissants can be served alongside a fragrant tea or morning coffee. A teaspoon of apricot or raspberry jam can add an extra touch of flavor.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as your favorite jams, ground nuts, or even a combination of apples and sweet cheese. These croissants are very versatile and allow you to put your personal stamp on the recipe.

Nutritional information: Each croissant has approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of sugar used. Apples add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for a dessert or snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the dough will have a different, denser texture.
- How can I keep the croissants fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Can I freeze the croissants? Yes, you can freeze either unbaked or baked croissants. If freezing unbaked, let them rise before baking.

Enjoy this recipe for fluffy apple and cinnamon croissants and turn every bite into a warm and flavorful experience! Bon appétit!