Tender croissants with fruit preserve

Tender crescent rolls with plum jam

During the holiday season, every housewife enriches her table with delights that bring joy and warmth to the soul. Tender crescent rolls with plum jam are a perfect choice to bring a traditional taste and irresistible aroma that will delight both children and adults. This delicate dessert, with a flaky dough and a filling of plum jam, is not just a culinary delight but also a true childhood memory for many of us. Let’s discover together how we can prepare these perfect crescent rolls!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 40 crescent rolls

Ingredients

- 900 g flour – make sure to use good quality flour to achieve a smooth and elastic dough.
- 300 g lard – this is the secret that makes the dough so tender. You can also use butter, but it will slightly change the texture.
- 3 egg yolks – for added flavor and a nicer color to the dough.
- 25 g fresh yeast – essential for the dough to rise. You can use dry yeast as well, but the amount will change (about 10 g).
- 150 ml warm milk – helps activate the yeast. Do not heat it too much, so it doesn’t become hot.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
- A pinch of salt – balances the taste and enhances the flavors.
- Plum jam – for the filling, it’s ideal to use a quality jam, preferably homemade.
- Powdered sugar – for decoration.
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar – adds a sweet and vanilla aroma, perfect for these crescent rolls.
- Sour cream (optional) – to enrich the dough, it can be added for extra creaminess.

Preparation

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (about 37-40°C). Add the sugar and crumbled yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure the yeast is active.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt. Add the lard cut into cubes and knead with your fingertips until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. This step helps incorporate the lard into the flour, giving the dough exceptional tenderness.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the yeast mixture over the flour, followed by the egg yolks. Start kneading with your hands until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. This process should take between 10 and 15 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as you want a soft dough.

4. Resting the dough: Divide the dough into 2-3 equal parts and form balls. Wrap them in plastic wrap and let them rest in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. This will help solidify the lard and make the dough easier to roll out.

5. Shaping the crescent rolls: After the dough has rested, take one ball and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet (about 2-3 mm thick). Cut the sheet into squares (5x5 cm). Place a teaspoon of jam on each square, then fold the corners toward the center, forming a crescent. You can choose to shape them as desired, either folding them in a classic style or freezing them in the form of triangles.

6. Baking: Arrange the crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between them. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the crescent rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible!

7. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly, then roll them in a mixture of powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. This will add a sweet touch and an elegant appearance to your crescent rolls.

Serving suggestions and variations

Crescent rolls with plum jam can be served as a delicious dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also pair them with a vanilla sauce or even vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

If you want to experiment, you can try different fillings like apricot jam, rose petal jam, or even Nutella. Each variation will add a personalized touch to your crescent rolls.

Nutritional benefits

These crescent rolls with plum jam are a source of carbohydrates, and the plum jam provides fiber and antioxidants. They also contain healthy fats from lard, which help maintain healthy skin. However, it’s best to consume them in moderation, considering that one crescent roll contains approximately 120-150 calories.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I store the crescent rolls? Yes, you can store the crescent rolls in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- Can I use another type of fat? Yes, if you prefer, you can use butter or margarine, but the final result will be different in texture.
- What kind of jam is best? Plum jam is traditional, but any jam or preserve you like will work.

Tender crescent rolls with plum jam are more than just a simple dessert; they are a piece of tradition and a way to bring the warmth of the holidays into your home. So put on an apron, gather your ingredients, and start the culinary adventure! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: - 900 g flour - 300 g lard - 3 egg yolks - fresh yeast (25 g) - 150 ml warm milk - 1 tablespoon sugar - a pinch of salt - sour cream if needed We also need: - plum jam - powdered sugar - 1 sachet of vanilla sugar

 Tags:  christmas recipes crescent recipes jam-filled croissants