Fluffy Croissants with Nutella

Fluffy Croissants with Nutella - A Morning Delight

I invite you to discover the recipe for these fluffy croissants with Nutella, a quick and simple dessert that will turn any breakfast into a celebration of flavors. Inspired by Laura Sava's blog, these croissants are perfectly crispy on the outside and extremely soft on the inside, with a generous filling of Nutella that melts in your mouth. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 croissants

Ingredients:
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 500 g flour
- 25 g soft butter (to be melted in milk)
- 1 egg for brushing
- Nutella (or another favorite filling)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the dry yeast in 100 ml of lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes in a warm place until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as activated yeast will help the croissants to be fluffy and airy.

2. Making the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast, honey, salt, and lukewarm milk in which you have melted the butter. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can gradually add a little flour until it no longer sticks to your hands.

3. Kneading: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. This step is important to develop the gluten, which will make the croissants fluffy and elastic.

4. First rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the croissants: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to form a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the sheet into triangles. On each base of the triangle, place a teaspoon of Nutella (or your preferred filling) and roll the croissant, starting from the base of the triangle to the tip. Make sure the roll is tight to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

6. Second rising: Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step will make the croissants even fluffier.

7. Brushing and baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Beat the egg and brush each croissant with the beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and fragrant.

8. Serving: After baking, let the croissants cool slightly on a cooling rack. These croissants are excellent served warm, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch or serve them with warm chocolate sauce.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can replace Nutella with other fillings like jam, nut butter, or even sweet cheese.
- Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- You can add a few drops of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
These croissants are a source of carbohydrates and, thanks to the honey, provide a bit of instant energy. Depending on the filling chosen, they can also be a source of healthy fats and proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

2. What else can I add to the dough?
You can add dried fruits, chopped nuts, or spices like cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

3. Can I freeze the croissants?
Yes! These croissants can be frozen after they have completely cooled. You can bake them straight from the freezer, but the baking time will be longer.

With these fluffy croissants with Nutella, your morning will surely be better! Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with loved ones around the table. Bon appétit!