Fluffy croissants with chocolate

Fluffy Chocolate Croissants - A Deliciously Easy Treat

Do you want to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen? Fluffy chocolate croissants are the perfect choice! This simple and delicious dessert is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even to impress your guests. Thanks to its versatility, you can let your imagination run wild by choosing various fillings, whether it's cottage cheese with raisins, chicken breast with mushrooms, or a decadent chocolate cream.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Number of Servings: 10 croissants

Ingredients Needed

For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 260 ml milk
- 70 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 25 g fresh yeast (one cube)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg for brushing the croissants

For the cream:
- 250 ml milk
- 1 packet of chocolate pudding (Dr.Oetker)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 70 g chocolate (one cube of cooking chocolate)
- A vial of rum essence

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by melting the butter in the milk over low heat until it becomes liquid. Make sure the milk doesn't get hot, just warm, so it doesn't kill the yeast. Add the sugar and the yeast cube to the milk and butter mixture, stirring gently until the yeast completely dissolves. This step is essential for activating the yeast and achieving a fluffy dough.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, place the flour and add a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the milk mixture with yeast. Add the beaten egg. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until you obtain a smooth dough.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Once the dough is formed, knead it for about 10 minutes on a floured surface. The dough should become elastic and smooth. Proper kneading will help develop the gluten, giving the croissants a fluffy texture.

Step 4: Proofing the Dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. This is the perfect time to prepare the cream.

Preparing the Cream

Step 5: Chocolate Cream
In another bowl, mix the pudding packet with the sugar. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Place the mixture over low heat and add the chopped chocolate. Whisk constantly until the cream thickens and the chocolate melts completely. Once the cream is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool. You can add the rum essence to enhance the flavor.

Forming and Baking the Croissants

Step 6: Forming the Croissants
After the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece on a floured surface into an oval shape. Cut a slit lengthwise in half of the oval, then fill it with the cooled chocolate cream, being careful not to let the filling spill out.

Step 7: Rolling and Proofing the Croissants
Roll each croissant, making sure the filling is well sealed inside. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step will help achieve a fluffy texture.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the croissants with beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame on top for a crunchy touch. Bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.

Serving and Variations

Step 9: Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the croissants cool on a rack. They are delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a bit of whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.

Practical Tips

- Alternative fillings: Experiment with various fillings, from cottage cheese with raisins to savory combinations like chicken breast with mushrooms.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that the ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate mixing and proofing.
- Storage: The croissants keep well in an airtight container for a few days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Fluffy chocolate croissants are a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The flour contains fiber, and the chocolate brings antioxidants, benefiting both taste and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast; make sure to respect the correct proportions (about 8 g of dry yeast for one cube of fresh yeast).

2. How can I tell if the croissants are baked?
Check if they have a golden color and sound hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom.

3. Can I freeze the croissants?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked croissants. Let them rise, then freeze them. When you want to serve them, let them thaw and bake according to the instructions.

These fluffy chocolate croissants are a true delight, and each bite will take you into a world of flavors and textures. So, don't hesitate! Put on your apron and unleash your culinary creativity. Enjoy!