Mini croissants

Delicious Mini Croissants: A Journey into the World of Flavor

Cooking is an art, and mini croissants are a masterpiece that combines technique and taste. These fluffy delights, with their perfectly layered texture and filled with cherry jam, are ideal for a special breakfast or a refined snack. In this detailed recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve perfect mini croissants that will impress all your loved ones.

Preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 12 mini croissants

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 250 ml milk
- 40 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus 200 g for folding)
- 1 teaspoon salt

For folding:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons flour

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk

For the filling:
- Cherry jam (or your favorite jam)

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, adding the sugar, salt, and dry yeast. This mixture will ensure even rising of the dough. Add the 3 tablespoons of melted butter and the cold milk, then knead into a non-sticky and elastic dough. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 2: Let the dough rise
Once the dough is kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour. This step is essential to allow the yeast to work and make the dough rise.

Step 3: Prepare the butter for folding
Meanwhile, prepare the butter for folding. Mix the 200 g of room temperature butter with the 3 tablespoons of flour. This mixture will help create fine, airy layers in the croissants. Place it in the refrigerator until the dough has fully risen.

Step 4: Roll out and fold the dough
After the dough has risen, remove it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Use 2/3 of the butter mixture to spread over the entire surface of the sheet. Then, fold the sheet into thirds, bringing the top part to the middle and the bottom part over it. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it back in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Step 5: Repeat the folding process
Take the dough out of the refrigerator and repeat the rolling and butter spreading process with the remaining butter. Fold it again into thirds and let it chill for another hour. These repeated folding steps are the key to achieving flaky and fluffy croissants.

Step 6: Shape the mini croissants
After the second resting period, take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out into a rectangular sheet again. Cut the sheet into triangles. At the base of each triangle, add a teaspoon of cherry jam. Roll from the base of the triangle to the tip, forming the mini croissants. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for rising.

Step 7: Final rise
Cover the mini croissants with a clean towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

Step 8: Brush and bake
Beat the egg with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush each mini croissant with this mixture to achieve a beautiful golden color when baked. Bake the mini croissants for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy.

Helpful tips
1. Choose quality ingredients: Use good quality flour and high-fat butter for a richer taste.
2. Ingredient temperature: Ensure that the butter for folding is at room temperature, as it will spread more easily.
3. Healthier option: You can substitute cherry jam with a sugar-free fruit jam or even chocolate spread for a decadent taste.

Delicious pairings
These mini croissants are delightful served plain, but you can enjoy them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. They are also excellent alongside a serving of Greek yogurt with fresh fruits for a complete and balanced breakfast.

Nutritional benefits
These mini croissants provide quick energy due to the carbohydrate content from the flour and sugar, while the butter adds healthy fats that can help keep you feeling full. The jam filling brings a note of natural sweetness and vitamins from the fruit.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of filling?
Yes, you can experiment with various fillings such as chocolate, cream cheese, or fresh fruits.

2. How can I store the croissants?
If there are any leftover croissants, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze them to keep them longer.

3. What type of flour is best for croissants?
Pastry flour, which has a higher protein content, is ideal for achieving a fluffy, layered texture.

Personal note
I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother when we made croissants together to celebrate the birthdays of our loved ones. The aroma of melted butter and cherry jam filled the entire house, and each bite was an explosion of flavors. This recipe is not just about cooking; it's about creating memories.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get started. Enjoy the process and savor the result! Bon appétit!