Small croissants crocheted with Nutella and raisins

Small braided pastries with Nutella and raisins

When it comes to desserts that combine refined appearance with exquisite taste, small braided pastries with Nutella and raisins are undoubtedly an excellent choice. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of magic to your kitchen. With a fluffy texture and delicious filling, these small pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal, a party, or simply a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours + 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 small pastries

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 packets of dry yeast or 50 g of fresh yeast (preferably fresh for better taste and texture)
- 375 ml warm milk (approximately 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 160 g sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks (at room temperature)
- 780 g flour (or more, depending on the humidity of the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 g butter (melted and cooled)
- Grated zest of one orange (for added flavor)

For the filling:
- Nutella (or any preferred chocolate spread)
- Raisins (optional, but recommended for an intense texture and taste)

Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the yeast with warm milk. Wait a few minutes until the yeast starts to bubble, indicating it has activated. Add the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and orange zest. Mix well.

2. Adding dry ingredients:
Start gradually adding flour and salt. It’s important to add the flour gradually to control the dough's consistency. You should obtain a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. If necessary, add a little more flour.

3. Incorporating the butter:
Add the melted and cooled butter to the dough and knead well until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is a perfect moment to let your creativity shine. If desired, you can add other flavors, such as vanilla extract or cinnamon.

4. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the pastries:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls (about 60 g each). Flatten each ball and place a teaspoon of Nutella and a few raisins in the center. Fold the dough and shape it into a ball, then flatten it again with a rolling pin, being careful not to destroy the filling.

6. Twisting and arranging:
Twist each ball and carefully place them in a muffin tin lined with muffin papers. Let them rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.

7. Glazing:
Beat an egg yolk with a little sugar and milk, then brush each pastry with this mixture. This will give them a golden and shiny color.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pastries for 30-35 minutes or until golden and pass the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

Serving

Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or flavored coffee. I recommend enjoying them warm, when the Nutella is still creamy and delicious. Of course, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Practical tips and variations

- Vary the filling: Instead of Nutella, you can use ground hazelnuts or white chocolate spread. Raisins can be replaced with dried cranberries or chopped nuts.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a few drops of rum or vanilla extract for an even more intense taste.
- Storing the pastries: They store well in an airtight container for a few days. They can also be frozen, but make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Nutritional benefits

These small pastries are a good source of carbohydrates, thanks to the flour and sugar, providing quick energy. The butter adds healthy fats, and while Nutella is a more indulgent option, it brings a unique flavor. Consume in moderation and enjoy this delicacy!

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Sure! Whole wheat flour will provide a slightly different texture but will add extra fiber and nutrients.
- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise? Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the milk isn’t too hot. A warm place is essential for proper fermentation.
- How can I make the pastries less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and filling for a more balanced taste.

Small braided pastries with Nutella and raisins are not only a delicious recipe but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories in the kitchen. Invite family and friends to join in the cooking process and enjoy every step. So, put on your apron and let yourself be inspired by this wonderful recipe!

 Ingredients: For the dough, we need: 2 packets of dry yeast or 50 grams of fresh yeast (I used fresh because I prefer it), 375 ml of warm milk, 160 grams of sugar, 2 large eggs at room temperature, 2 egg yolks at room temperature, 780 grams of flour (the recipe says this, but I always seem to need more, add as much as you can to work the dough), 1 teaspoon of salt, 200 grams of butter, I also added orange zest. For the filling, Nutella and raisins.

 Tags:  sweet bread unt