Walnut and vanilla croissants

Nut and Vanilla Crescents – a classic and comforting delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 30 crescents

Welcome to the wonderful world of baking! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing delicious nut and vanilla crescents, a quick and simple dessert that will delight your taste buds. These crescents are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to surprise your guests or simply treat yourself and your family.

The history of crescents dates back a long time, with deep roots in diverse culinary traditions. Over the years, people have found ingenious ways to combine simple ingredients to create refined flavors and pleasant textures. Thus, nut and vanilla crescents are a perfect variant that combines the intense aroma of nuts with the fine sweetness of vanilla, creating a dessert you will surely love.

Ingredients:
- 150 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 125 g cookie yogurt
- 150 g sugar
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 450 g flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons ground nuts
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step by step:

1. Preheating the oven: Before starting to prepare the dough, preheat the oven to 180°C. This will ensure even and quick baking of your crescents.

2. Mixing wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soft margarine and sugar. Using an electric mixer or spatula, mix well until you obtain a homogeneous and creamy composition. This step is essential to incorporate air into the dough, making the crescents fluffier.

3. Adding the egg and yogurt: Continue by adding the egg and cookie yogurt. Mix until the ingredients are completely integrated. The yogurt not only adds a delicious taste but also moisture to the dough, contributing to its soft texture.

4. Integrating flavors: Add the vanilla sugar and the baking powder activated with lemon juice. The lemon juice not only helps activate the baking powder but also balances the sweetness of the dough.

5. Flour and nuts: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula. When the mixture becomes too difficult to mix, transfer it to a work surface and add the ground nuts. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes homogeneous and elastic. It is important not to knead too much to avoid the dough becoming dense.

6. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the margarine, making it easier to shape the crescents.

7. Shaping the crescents: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet (about 5 mm thick). Use a knife or scraper to cut the dough into long strips, then cut the strips into diamonds.

8. Rolling the crescents: Take each diamond and roll it starting from one corner, forming a small crescent. Make sure the edges are well pressed to prevent them from unfolding during baking.

9. Baking the crescents: Place the crescents on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden. Be careful not to let them brown too much, as we want them to remain soft and tender.

10. Decorating: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar mixed with vanilla sugar. This step will add a sweet and aromatic note that perfectly complements the taste of the crescents.

11. Storing: Once they have completely cooled, place the crescents in a plastic bag or an airtight container to keep them soft. If stored this way, they will remain fresh and delicious for several days.

Nutritional benefits: These crescents contain simple ingredients, such as nuts, which are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. The yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion, and margarine can be replaced with butter for a richer flavor variant.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of oil instead of margarine? Yes, a healthier option would be coconut oil or butter.
- How can I enhance the flavor? You can add a few drops of almond essence or lemon zest for an even more intense taste.
- What drinks pair well with these crescents? A cup of green tea or flavored coffee will perfectly complement the sweet taste of the crescents.

Variations:
- Replace nuts with hazelnuts or almonds for a different taste.
- You can add chopped chocolate to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Experiment with spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a unique aroma.

Now that you have learned to prepare these nut and vanilla crescents, I encourage you to share them with your loved ones or keep them for your pampering moments. Each bite will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste them. Happy cooking!