Fluffy croissants

Today, I invite you to explore with me a special recipe that will bring warmth and joy to every home: soft and fluffy crescents filled with chocolate and jam. This dessert is not just a simple snack, but a true celebration of flavors, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of hot tea. Whether it is a chilly winter day or a lazy afternoon, these crescents will turn any moment into a unique experience.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 crescents

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500-550 g flour (preferably type 000 or 550, for a fine texture)
- 200 ml milk (at room temperature)
- 40 g butter (melted but allowed to cool slightly)
- 3 tablespoons honey (to ensure a delicate flavor and added moisture)
- 25 g fresh yeast (one cube)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 lemon essence (or grated zest from one lemon, for a fresh taste)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (for a fragrant aroma)

For the filling and brushing:
- Plum jam (or any preferred jam)
- Quince jam
- Chocolate mousse (made from 1 egg white, 4 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon cocoa)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

The Story of the Crescents

Crescents are a traditional dessert that has traversed generations, becoming a symbol of comfort and family warmth. Often enjoyed as a treat on Sundays or special occasions, these delights come in various fillings and shapes, but the secret to a perfect crescent lies in the slightly leavened dough, which gives them that soft and fluffy texture.

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is warm (not hot!). Add the honey and melted butter, mixing to combine. Once the mixture is warm (but not hot), add the fresh yeast. Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure good leavening of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast milk mixture, add the eggs, lemon essence, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. Using a spatula, mix the ingredients until well combined, then start kneading the dough with your hands. Aim to achieve an elastic and slightly sticky dough that does not stick to your hands.

3. Leavening: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the chocolate filling. Beat the egg white with the 4 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a firm foam. Add the cocoa and gently mix to obtain a delicious chocolate mousse. You can use the plum jam and quince jam directly from the jar, but make sure they are at room temperature.

Shaping the Crescents

1. Shaping the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece into a thin circle (about 25 cm in diameter). Cut the circle into triangles (like a pizza) to form the base of the crescents.

2. Adding the filling: At the base of each triangle, add a tablespoon of the desired filling: either the chocolate mousse, plum jam, or quince jam. Roll each triangle starting from its base towards the tip, making sure to seal the filling inside. Finally, gently bend the ends of the crescents to give them a curved shape.

3. Preparing for baking: Place the crescents on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Brush them with the beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat) and place the tray with crescents inside. Bake for 40 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy. The aroma that will fill the kitchen is unforgettable!

Serving

Crescents are delicious served plain, but if you want to add a touch of elegance, you can dust them with powdered sugar. Serve them warm, alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. This duet will turn any moment into a moment of indulgence.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients at room temperature: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; this will help the dough rise evenly.
- Leavening: If it is winter and the room is cold, place the dough in a warm oven (e.g., at 30-35°C) for faster leavening.
- Variations: You can experiment with various fillings, such as ground nuts, cream cheese, or fresh fruits. Each version will bring a new indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What type of jam can I use? You can use any preferred jam, but those with a denser texture and intense flavor work best.
- Can the crescents be frozen? Yes, these crescents can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How long should I knead the dough? Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

These fluffy crescents with chocolate and jam are more than just a simple recipe; they are an invitation to create unforgettable moments with loved ones. Whether enjoyed with family or given as gifts, they are sure to bring smiles and joy. So, let's get cooking and enjoy every bite!