Croissant

Delicious croissants with strawberry jam

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 20 croissants

Who doesn't love a fresh croissant with a fluffy texture filled with delicious jam? These croissants are not only a treat but also a perfect choice for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. They have a rich history, being part of the culinary culture of many regions, where they have been perfected over the centuries. In this recipe, we will explore how to achieve perfectly crispy and aromatic croissants, full of flavor.

Ingredients:

- 150 g butter at room temperature
- 4 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of white wine (or sparkling water)
- 100 g sour cream
- 350 g flour
- 300 g strawberry jam (or sweet cheese for a variation)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the butter: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and cream it with the sugar until it becomes a smooth and fluffy mixture. It is important that the butter is at room temperature to mix evenly, and the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Adding the yolks: Gradually incorporate the 4 egg yolks, mixing constantly. Add a pinch of salt, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar to enhance the flavor.

3. Including the sour cream and wine: Continue mixing and add the sour cream, followed by the 2 tablespoons of white wine (or sparkling water). The wine adds a note of acidity that helps develop the flavors, but if you don't have wine, sparkling water is an excellent choice.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour to aerate it and gradually add it to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix, then switch to kneading with your hands. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, but do not over-knead.

5. Folding the dough: Place the dough on a floured work surface. Roll it out into a thick sheet about 1 cm thick. Fold it three times (bringing one part over the other), then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the butter to cool and helps form layers.

6. Repeating the process: Repeat the rolling and folding step 3 more times, allowing 15-minute breaks in the refrigerator between each. This process will ensure the fine and fluffy layers of the croissants.

7. Forming the croissants: After the dough has been refrigerated 3 times, roll it out into a thick sheet of 5 mm. Cut it into squares of about 10x10 cm. In the center of each square, place a teaspoon of strawberry jam. If you prefer a savory version, you can use sweet cheese. Roll the square starting from one corner, forming a crescent.

8. Baking: Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the remaining egg yolk and brush each croissant to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (medium heat) for 25-30 minutes, until golden.

9. Serving and storage: Let the croissants cool for a few minutes before enjoying them. They are excellent alongside a fragrant coffee or hot tea. They are also perfect for taking on the go on busy days.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the jam: You can experiment with various types of jam, such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches, to add a personal touch. If you're not a fan of jam, sweet cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla is a delicious alternative.

- Serving variations: Croissants can be dusted with powdered sugar after baking for an elegant look. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the jam for an extra crunch.

- Storing the croissants: These croissants can be kept in an airtight container for a few days. If you want to keep them fresh, you can freeze them and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Nutritional information:

These croissants with strawberry jam offer a combination of carbohydrates from the flour, healthy fats from the butter, and protein from the eggs. On average, each croissant has about 150-200 calories, depending on the filling and portion. The nutritional benefits of this dessert include vitamin intake from lemon and antioxidants from the jam.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will vary.

- Is it possible to make the dough in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. The next day, continue with the process of forming the croissants.

Croissants with strawberry jam are an excellent choice to add a touch of joy to every day. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this recipe will bring smiles and delicious moments. Enjoy!