Snails with nuts and chocolate
Walnut and Chocolate Snails – A Flavorful Delicacy
Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the intense aroma of walnuts with the sweetness of chocolate? Walnut and chocolate snails are a perfect choice for indulgent moments that can turn an ordinary day into something special. This sweet and fluffy dessert, with a delicious interior, will capture the attention of everyone who savors it.
Preparation Time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 snails
Ingredients
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs (plus 1 egg for brushing)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 25 g fresh yeast (approximately one cube)
- 50 g butter
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 100 g Nutella (or a similar chocolate spread)
A Little Story about Walnut and Chocolate Snails
This recipe has deep roots in baking traditions, being a beloved treat for generations. Walnut and chocolate snails are often made on holidays, but also as a weekend delicacy. The fluffy dough and rich filling make them perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Step by Step – How to Prepare Walnut and Chocolate Snails
1. Preparing the Dough
- Start by mixing the flour with the salt in a large bowl. This step will ensure an even distribution of salt in the dough.
- In another container, prepare the yeast: dissolve the yeast cube in a few tablespoons of lukewarm milk (not hot) and add a tablespoon of flour. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
2. Kneading the Dough
- Once the yeast is active, add it to the flour mixture. Add the egg yolks mixed with the remaining lukewarm milk and melted butter (make sure it’s not hot).
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour.
3. Rising the Dough
- Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shaping the Snails
- After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick.
- Cut the dough into two equal parts. On the first part, spread Nutella evenly, leaving a 1 cm border on each side. Gently roll the dough into a log, then cut it into pieces about 5 cm long.
5. Preparing the Walnut Filling
- In a bowl, beat the remaining egg whites until frothy. Add sugar, depending on how sweet you want the filling, and the ground walnuts. Mix everything until well combined.
6. Assembling the Snails
- On the second sheet of dough, spread the walnut and egg white mixture evenly. Proceed the same way as before: roll and cut into pieces.
- Place the snails on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave space between them to rise.
7. Final Rising
- Let the snails rise again for 20 minutes. This step is essential to achieve the desired fluffy texture.
8. Baking the Snails
- Before placing them in the oven, brush them with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the snails for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden and beautifully browned.
Practical Tip
- Using Other Types of Filling: You can experiment with different fillings, such as melted dark chocolate, vanilla cream, or even fruit jam. Each variation will give a unique touch to your dessert.
Serving and Combinations
Walnut and chocolate snails are excellent both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a cup of aromatic coffee, fruit tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a complete indulgence.
Nutritional Values
This recipe can contain approximately 250 calories per serving, but of course, this number may vary depending on the ingredients used and the servings served. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while chocolate adds a boost of antioxidants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, but be sure to check the usage instructions on the package for the correct proportions.
- How can I keep the snails fresh? You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
Personal Note
What makes this recipe special for me is the process of filling the snails with walnuts and chocolate. Each roll becomes a little surprise, and the aroma that spreads through the kitchen during baking is simply irresistible.
So, let’s begin the culinary adventure and enjoy every bite of these delicious walnut and chocolate snails!
Ingredients: 600 g white flour, 4 eggs + 1 egg for brushing the snails, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, a cube of fresh yeast of 25 g, 50 g butter, 250 ml milk, 200 g ground walnuts, 100 g Nutella.
Tags: snails with nuts