Tender croissants

Tender Croissants with Mascarpone: A Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

Welcome to the world of pastry delicacies! Today, we present you with a recipe for tender croissants, easy to prepare, yet with an extraordinary taste. These croissants are perfect for any occasion, whether you enjoy them with coffee among friends or gift them to loved ones. Every bite will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste them!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Refrigeration time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 24 croissants

Ingredients:
- 250 g Mascarpone cheese
- 250 g butter, at room temperature
- 450 g flour
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 1/4 packet baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 3-4 drops almond essence
- Zest of one lemon
- 50 g hazelnuts and walnuts, ground
- 50 g brown sugar for decoration

The History of Croissants
Croissants have a rich history and are loved worldwide. It is believed that these treats evolved from traditional pastry recipes, adapted over time based on available ingredients. Today, croissants with various fillings are a symbol of generosity and hospitality. In many cultures, offering freshly baked croissants is a way to show appreciation and love.

Preparing the Dough:
1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the Mascarpone cheese with the softened butter. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to blend them until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. It is essential that the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation.

2. Add the granulated sugar, baking powder, vanilla sugar, almond essence, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine the flavors.

3. Finally, gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not excessively so.

4. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Shape each piece into a ball and wrap them in plastic wrap. Leave them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This step is important as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

Preparing the Filling:
5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Toast the hazelnuts and walnuts in a dry skillet, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once they become golden and fragrant, let them cool and finely grind them. This toasting will enhance the flavor and add extra taste to the croissants.

Forming the Croissants:
6. Once the dough has chilled, take a piece out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 25 cm in diameter.

7. Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking tray and put the rolled-out dough circle on it. Sprinkle the brown sugar and the mixture of nuts and hazelnuts over the surface of the dough.

8. Cover with another piece of parchment paper and, using a rolling pin, gently press to incorporate the filling into the dough.

9. Carefully flip the dough sheet so that the filling side is facing down. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into about 12 triangles. Roll each triangle into a croissant shape, starting from the wider base and moving towards the tip.

Baking:
10. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them for even baking.

11. Bake for 30 minutes, or until they become lightly golden on top. It is important not to overbake them, as we want the texture to remain tender and fluffy.

12. Once ready, let the croissants cool on a wire rack. We advise keeping them in an airtight container, but if you’re like me, you won’t be able to keep them for long!

Serving Suggestions:
Tender croissants with Mascarpone can be enjoyed plain, but for an extra touch of refinement, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving. They also pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or hot tea. These can also be used as a delicious base for a sophisticated dessert: add melted chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the Mascarpone cheese with Philadelphia cream cheese, but I assure you that the result will not be as delicious. You can also swap the nut mixture for other types of dried fruits, such as raisins or dried apricots, to create a fruitier version.

Nutritional Benefits:
Croissants with Mascarpone are a source of healthy fats, thanks to the butter and nuts, and provide an extra calcium boost from the Mascarpone cheese. However, it is good to know that being a dessert, they also contain a considerable caloric intake. A 100 g serving of croissants has approximately 450-500 calories, so enjoy them in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I replace the butter with oil?
I recommend using butter to achieve the desired texture. Oil will change the consistency and may make the croissants less tender.

2. How can I tell if the croissants are baked enough?
Look at their color. When they turn golden on top, they are ready!

3. Can I freeze them?
Yes! These croissants freeze very well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container.

I encourage you to try this recipe for tender croissants with Mascarpone. It is a simple recipe but with an impressive result. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and share them with your loved ones! Bon appétit!