Croissants with vanilla and chocolate cream

Croissants with vanilla and chocolate cream

If you're looking for a delicious quick dessert recipe that combines the sweet aroma of vanilla with the richness of chocolate, you've come to the right place! These croissants with vanilla and chocolate cream are perfect for an indulgent breakfast or a sweet snack in the middle of the day.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 croissants

Recipe history
Croissants are a delicacy spread around the world, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of several cultures. From the French version with puff pastry to the simple and fluffy ones from other corners of the world, croissants are a symbol of joy and comfort. The combination of vanilla and chocolate has become a popular choice in desserts, loved by everyone from young to old.

Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour
- 25 g sugar
- 4 g salt
- 5 g dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 180 ml warm milk
- 25 g soft butter

*For the cream:*
- 3 egg yolks
- 25 g flour
- 60 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 250 ml milk
- 10 g butter
- 40 g dark chocolate

Ingredient details
Flour is the base of the dough, providing the necessary structure. Choose a good quality flour to achieve fluffy croissants. Sugar helps caramelize the dough, giving it a golden crust. Dry yeast is an effective leavening agent, but make sure it's fresh for the best results. Warm milk activates the yeast, while soft butter adds richness to the dough. The cream will be enriched with the flavors of vanilla and chocolate, providing a delicious filling.

Preparation technique
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg with the warm milk and soft butter. Add the egg and milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for one hour, or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the cream: In a small saucepan, mix the egg yolks with half of the sugar. Whisk well until combined. Gradually add the flour, continuously stirring with a whisk to avoid lumps.
3. Pour in the milk and the remaining sugar, including the vanilla sugar, and place the saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the cream thickens, having the consistency of sour cream. Remove from heat and add the butter, stirring until completely melted.
4. Divide the cream into two portions, and in one of them, add the finely chopped dark chocolate, stirring until it melts and combines evenly.

3. Forming the croissants: After the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece on a lightly floured surface, forming a thin circle. Roll each circle onto a croissant mold or a baking tray, ensuring the edges are well sealed.
4. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat an egg with a little milk and brush each croissant with the mixture.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the croissants for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until they become golden and fluffy. Let them cool on a cooling rack.

5. Filling the croissants: Once the croissants have completely cooled, fill them with vanilla cream or chocolate cream using a piping bag or a teaspoon.

Serving suggestions
These croissants can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look. You can accompany the dessert with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, for an even more decadent touch, you can drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the croissants before serving.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as ground nuts or candied fruits. Another interesting option would be to replace dark chocolate with white chocolate or a mix of milk chocolate.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but the amount will be different. Use about 15 g of fresh yeast to achieve the same effect.
2. How can I store the croissants?
The croissants can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them and thaw them before serving.
3. What other ingredients can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add lemon or orange zest to the vanilla cream for a fresh note.

Nutritional benefits
Croissants with vanilla and chocolate cream contain carbohydrates from flour, proteins from eggs and milk, as well as healthy fats from butter. They can provide an energy boost, but it's best to consume them in moderation due to their sugar content.

In conclusion, these croissants with vanilla and chocolate cream are an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you prepare them for yourself or for loved ones, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. So put on your apron and let's get cooking!