Fluffy croissants with jam and coconut

Fluffy Croissants with Jam and Coconut

These fluffy croissants with jam and coconut are a perfect choice for a savory breakfast or a sweet snack alongside a cup of fresh milk or aromatic coffee. Ideal for soothing the soul and bringing smiles to your mornings, these treats are easy to prepare and add a touch of magic to every bite. Here’s how you can make them at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 16 croissants

Ingredients

- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 100 g powdered sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 250 g lard or margarine (preferably at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 jar apricot jam (about 300 g)
- 80 g coconut
- 1 egg for brushing

The Story of Croissants

Croissants have a rich history and are a symbol of joy and togetherness. It is said that these delicacies were created to bring a touch of warmth and humanity into people's homes. Whether filled with jam, cheese, or chocolate, croissants are always welcomed with open arms. Combining apricot jam with coconut, these croissants bring a note of originality and a unique flavor.

Step by Step for Fluffy Croissants

1. Activating the yeast
Start by crumbling the yeast into a small bowl. Add a teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Gently mix and let it sit in a warm place until the yeast becomes frothy, about 10-15 minutes. This is a crucial step to achieve fluffy croissants.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour to avoid lumps. Add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, the remaining powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Gradually add the lard or melted margarine, making sure it is not too hot. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula.

3. Adding the milk
Start adding the lukewarm milk gradually, mixing continuously until you obtain a smooth and slightly sticky dough. It is important not to add too much milk at once; the dough should be soft but not stick to your hands.

4. Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process is essential for developing the gluten, which will give the croissants that fluffy and airy texture. If you feel the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Rising the dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the croissants
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface and divide it into 4-5 equal pieces. Let them rise for another 10-15 minutes to relax. Then, roll each piece of dough into a thin circle using a rolling pin. Cut each circle into 8 triangles.

7. Filling the croissants
In a small bowl, mix the apricot jam with the coconut. Place a teaspoon of this mixture on each triangle. Roll the croissants starting from the base of the triangle toward the tip, forming a crescent shape.

8. Baking
Arrange the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg and brush each croissant with it for a golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle a little sugar over them for added sweetness. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and appetizing.

Useful Tips

- Heating the milk: Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- Flavoring the jam: You can experiment with other jams, such as raspberry or blackberry, to change the flavor of the croissants.
- Chocolate variation: If you are a chocolate fan, you can replace the jam with chocolate pieces or cocoa cream for a decadent taste.
- Serving: These croissants are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a cup of warm milk or aromatic coffee for a perfect breakfast.

Nutritional Benefits

These croissants are a good source of carbohydrates, and the apricot jam provides vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C. The coconut adds fiber and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast; use about 17 g of dry yeast.
- How can I store the croissants? The croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later consumption.
- Can I replace lard with butter? Yes, you can use butter instead of lard, but you may need to adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! These fluffy croissants with jam and coconut are sure to bring joy to your home. Enjoy!