Fluffy croissants

Fluffy Croissants with Finetti

Who doesn't love the delicious aroma of freshly baked, fluffy croissants filled with goodness? This Finetti croissant recipe will not only fill your home with an amazing scent but also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Making these croissants can become a delightful family activity, and the final result will be a perfect snack for breakfast, a treat between meals, or a savory dessert. These croissants are not only delicious but also easy to make, even for beginners. Let's get started!

Preparation time:
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 40-60 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total: approximately 100 minutes
- Number of servings: 12-15 croissants

Ingredients:
- 100 g butter or margarine (choose butter for a richer flavor)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 500 g flour (type 000 or 550 for a finer texture)
- A pinch of salt (optional but recommended)
- Finetti (or another chocolate spread) for filling
- Honey for glazing (optional)
- Ground nuts or powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

A Brief History of Croissants
Filled croissants are a tradition in many cultures, often symbolizing celebrations and special moments. These sweet delights have evolved over time, being adapted based on local ingredients and personal preferences. The croissants we will prepare today are a simple and quick version, perfect for enjoying with family or friends.

Step by step:

1. Melting the butter:
Start by melting the butter over low heat in a saucepan. It is essential not to let it boil, just to melt completely. This will add a creamy consistency to the dough.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients:
Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the yeast. Make sure there are no lumps, as the yeast needs to be well integrated. Then, add the egg and yeast mixture to the butter and sugar composition. Add the lukewarm milk and mix well.

3. Preparing the dough:
Start gradually adding the flour to the wet mixture. It is important to mix well until the dough becomes soft and no longer sticks to your hands. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40-60 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Shaping the croissants:
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a surface sprinkled with a little flour, forming a circle. Use a special cutter or a knife to cut triangles from the dough. At the base of each triangle, place a teaspoon of Finetti and carefully roll it up, forming the croissants.

5. Baking:
Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the croissants for about 40 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.

6. Finishing:
Once the croissants are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with honey for added sweetness. You can sprinkle ground nuts or powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance.

Serving and Variations
Fluffy croissants can be served warm, but they are just as delicious cold. You can pair them with a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. A wonderful idea is to serve them with chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can also experiment with other fillings, such as jams, sweet cheese, or chocolate.

Useful Tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a more homogeneous dough.
- If you prefer, you can replace Finetti with other chocolate spreads or peanut butter for a different flavor.
- Make sure the dough rises in a warm place, but not too hot, to avoid affecting the yeast.

Nutritional Information (per croissant):
- Calories: approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fats: 8 g

Fluffy croissants with Finetti are a treat you will never tire of. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will make you return to it every time you crave something sweet. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every step of this warm and loving culinary experience!