Yogurt croissants

Yogurt Croissants – a delicious treat for breakfast

Who can resist a freshly baked croissant, just out of the oven, with a delicious filling and a golden crust? These yogurt croissants are a perfect choice for those moments when we want to indulge without sacrificing flavor. While they may not be the most figure-friendly option, it's okay to make an exception every now and then. These croissants are easy to make, and with a little patience, you'll achieve a result that the whole family will love.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8 croissants

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 eggs (1 egg white and 2 yolks)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lard
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 20 g butter
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g yogurt (ideally homemade yogurt or buttermilk)
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 1 packet of vanilla (or a few drops of vanilla essence)
- 550 g flour (sifted)
- 20 g fresh yeast

Preparing the dough:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. It is important that the eggs and yogurt are not cold to activate the yeast more effectively.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, beat the eggs (1 egg white and 2 yolks) with the powdered sugar until you achieve a creamy composition. Add the lard and oil, mixing well after each ingredient. Then, incorporate the yogurt, lemon and orange zest, vanilla, and salt. Mix all the ingredients well.

3. Add the dry ingredients: In the bread machine container, pour the wet mixture, then add the sifted flour, making sure to completely cover the wet mixture. Finally, add the fresh yeast, crumbling it beforehand and sprinkling it over the flour.

4. Knead the dough: If using a bread machine, set it to program 8, which includes two kneading stages. If you do not have a machine, knead the dough by hand for about 30 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

5. Let the dough rise: Remove the dough from the machine and place it in a warm bowl, covered with a clean towel. Let it rise for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

Shaping the croissants:

1. Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured work surface. Roll it out into a not-too-thin sheet, about 1 cm thick.

2. Cut and fill: Cut the sheet into large squares (about 8 pieces). Fill each square with jam, ground nuts, or Turkish delight, depending on your preferences. Roll the squares to form croissants, ensuring that the filling does not leak out during baking.

3. Place the croissants on the tray: Prepare a baking tray lined with greased parchment paper. Arrange the croissants on the tray, leaving enough space between them to expand.

4. Let rise: Cover the croissants with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes to become fluffy.

Baking the croissants:

1. Preheat the oven: While the croissants are rising, preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).

2. Egg wash: Beat the remaining egg white and brush the croissants with a kitchen brush. This will give them a beautiful golden crust.

3. Bake the croissants: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until they are golden and browned.

4. Cooling: Once done, remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows them to set and not fall apart when served.

Serving and variations:

These yogurt croissants are delicious served with a cup of sweet or whipped milk. You can also enjoy them alongside a fragrant coffee or hot tea. If you want to experiment, try adding different fillings: chocolate, sweet cheese, or dried fruits.

Nutritional benefits:

- The yogurt added to the recipe contributes to better digestion, being a good source of probiotics.
- Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Flour, although rich in carbohydrates, can provide quick energy, essential for busy mornings.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use lactose-free yogurt?
Yes, lactose-free yogurt can be used without any problems.

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

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can use grated apples with cinnamon, peach jam, or even a combination of nuts and raisins.

4. Can I replace fresh yeast with dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 7 g (1 packet).

Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a festive meal, yogurt croissants will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Don't hesitate to experiment with fillings and share this wonderful recipe with those dear to you!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs (one white and 2 yolks) 150 g powdered sugar 1 tablespoon of lard 1 tablespoon of oil 20 g butter a pinch of salt 200 g yogurt lemon and orange zest vanilla 550 g flour 20 g fresh yeast