Croissants with strawberry jam

Croissants with strawberry jam

Who doesn't love the fresh aroma of warm croissants filled with strawberry jam? These delights are perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or to bring a touch of joy to weekend days. I invite you to discover the wonderful recipe for croissants with strawberry jam, a simple and quick recipe, perfect for families who want to enjoy a homemade dessert.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 16 croissants

Ingredients:

- 2 large eggs
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 100 g margarine (or butter)
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 300-350 g flour (type 550 is recommended)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Strawberry jam (or other preferred jam) for filling

A bit of history:

Croissants have a rich and fascinating history, with roots in the pastry traditions of many cultures. They have evolved over time, becoming a symbol of goodness and family warmth. The filling with strawberry jam brings a sweet and fresh taste, evoking memories of summer when strawberries are in full season.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the margarine: Start by melting the margarine in a saucepan over low heat. Make sure not to let it boil, just let it melt completely. This step is essential, as the margarine needs to be at room temperature when added to the dough.

2. Mixing the sugar: Once the margarine has melted, take the saucepan off the heat and add the sugar. Mix well until the sugar starts to dissolve. The sweet aroma of the sugar will combine perfectly with the margarine and give a soft texture to the dough.

3. Beating the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. It is important to mix well so that no lumps form. You want the eggs to be fully incorporated and to achieve a uniform consistency.

4. Adding the yeast: Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast and help the dough rise.

5. Combining the ingredients: Add the melted margarine with the sugar and the egg mixture to the bowl with the activated yeast. Mix well, then gradually add the flour. It is important to add the flour little by little to avoid lumps and to achieve a homogeneous dough.

6. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes soft and no longer sticks to your hands. This step can take between 5 and 10 minutes. Don't hesitate to add a little extra flour if necessary, but be careful not to make the dough too dry.

7. Forming the balls: Divide the dough into four equal balls. These balls will be rolled out into circles later.

8. Rolling out the dough: Take each ball of dough and roll it out into a circle of approximately 30 cm in diameter. Use a rolling pin, and if you find that the dough is sticking, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface.

9. Cutting the dough: Cut each circle into 8 triangles, similar to a pizza. At the edge of each triangle, add a teaspoon of strawberry jam, being careful not to overfill, otherwise the jam will spill during baking.

10. Rolling the croissants: Roll the triangles starting from the edge with the jam, forming croissants. Make sure to roll tightly so that the filling does not leak during baking.

11. Letting the croissants rise: Place the formed croissants in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking. Cover the tray with a clean towel and let the croissants rise for 20 minutes in a warm place.

12. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the croissants have risen, brush them with a beaten egg for a nice golden color.

13. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy. I recommend checking them from time to time, as every oven bakes differently.

14. Cooling and serving: Once the croissants are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a rack. Serve them warm, plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Useful tips:

- If you want a lighter version, you can use low-fat margarine or low-calorie butter.
- Experiment with different jams or preserves – apricot, plum, or blueberry jams are excellent choices.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the dough for an even more special flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I tell if the dough is ready? The dough is ready when it becomes smooth and elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. A simple test is to gently press it; if it springs back to its original shape, it is perfect.

2. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace the 50 g of fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast, activating it in the same way with lukewarm milk.

3. How can I keep the croissants fresh? Keep the croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Delicious pairings:

These croissants with strawberry jam are excellent alongside a cup of hot tea or flavored coffee. You can also serve them with a vanilla sauce or whipped cream to turn them into an even more indulgent dessert.

Enjoy making these delicious croissants and don't hesitate to experiment with various fillings and flavors. Every bite will bring a smile to your face! Enjoy your meal!