Nut Croissants

Walnut Crescent Rolls with Orange Zest

If you're looking for a quick, delicious dessert that's steeped in tradition, these walnut crescent rolls are the perfect choice! With a soft and fluffy dough filled with fragrant walnuts and a hint of orange, these crescent rolls are ideal for any occasion – from festive gatherings to a cheerful afternoon snack.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 crescent rolls

Ingredients for the dough

- 500 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 70 ml oil
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest of one orange
- 250 ml lukewarm milk

Ingredients for the filling

- 200 g ground walnuts
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon of rum extract
- 3-4 tablespoons of milk

For brushing

- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients for the dough are at room temperature. This detail is essential for achieving a fluffy and elastic dough.

2. Activating the yeast: In a cup, combine the yeast with 250 ml of lukewarm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and grated orange zest. The orange zest will add a subtle and fresh flavor to the dough.

4. Combining the ingredients: Add the activated yeast to the bowl with flour, followed by the remaining sugar and lukewarm milk. Begin kneading the dough by hand until it becomes smooth.

5. Adding the eggs and oil: Add the eggs and finally the oil. Knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your hands. It should be elastic and easy to handle.

6. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Beating the egg white: In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until it forms peaks. This step will add a light texture to your filling.

2. Adding the filling ingredients: Add the sugar to the beaten egg white and continue mixing for a few minutes. Then, incorporate the ground walnuts, rum extract, and milk, stirring with a spoon until you achieve a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Forming the crescent rolls

1. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into 3-4 pieces. Work with one piece of dough at a time, keeping the others covered.

2. Rolling out the dough: Roll each piece of dough into thin, round sheets. Use extra flour to prevent sticking.

3. Cutting triangles: Cut each sheet into triangles, similar to slicing a pizza.

4. Filling and rolling: Spread the walnut filling over each triangle, then roll it from the wide end to the narrow end. Place the crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave space between them.

5. Shaping the crescent rolls: Gently bend the ends of the crescent rolls to achieve the desired shape.

6. Second rising: Let the crescent rolls rise for 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius.

2. Brushing the crescent rolls: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Brush each crescent roll with this mixture for a golden, shiny crust.

3. Baking: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the crescent rolls for 20 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.

Serving and variations

These walnut crescent rolls are wonderful served warm, but they are equally delicious at room temperature. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of aesthetics and flavor.

If you're looking for a variation, you can replace the walnuts with almonds or a chocolate filling. Additionally, you can add cinnamon to the filling for an even more intense flavor.

Ideal pairings

The crescent rolls pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the crescent rolls creates a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

Nutritional benefits

These crescent rolls are not only delicious but also nutritious. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins. Additionally, the oil used provides a dose of beneficial fats, while the orange zest adds antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you'll need to adjust the quantity. Approximately 25 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to one packet of dry yeast.

2. How do I keep the crescent rolls fresh?
At room temperature, the crescent rolls can be kept in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I make the crescent rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour to adapt the recipe.

Conclusion

These walnut crescent rolls are a wonderful choice for any occasion, bringing a touch of tradition and warmth to every bite. So, put on an apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple and delicious recipe! Enjoy!