Snowy croissants
Snow Horns
Snow horns are undoubtedly among the most delicate and delicious pastries you can prepare. These treats simply melt in your mouth, and their aroma will remind you of special moments spent with loved ones. Although they may seem a bit tricky, the effort is well worth it, considering that the final result is a generous portion of goodies. Whether you fill them with poppy seeds, nuts, or even plum jam, snow horns will surely be the stars of the table.
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 40 horns
Ingredients
For the dough
- 380 g flour
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g sour cream
For the filling
- 200 g ground poppy seeds
- 110 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 100 ml milk (warm)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)
The History of Snow Horns
Snow horns have a long history, being a traditional dessert in many cultures. These delicate pastries are often made during holidays when families gather to celebrate and share special moments. Although each recipe may vary slightly, the essence remains the same: the desire to create something delicious and comforting.
Preparing the Filling
1. Start by mixing the ground poppy seeds with powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and grated lemon zest. These ingredients combine perfectly to give the filling a fresh and vibrant flavor.
2. Add the warm milk to the poppy seed mixture and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Set the filling aside for a few minutes to cool.
Preparing the Dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the semolina. This combination will give the horns a more interesting and crispy texture.
2. Add the diced butter to the flour mixture and knead with your fingers until you obtain a sandy consistency. It is important not to over-knead the dough to maintain the delicacy of the pastries.
3. Incorporate the sour cream and knead until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough seems too soft, you can gradually add a little flour.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. It will become easier to roll out and shape after cooling.
Forming the Horns
1. After the dough has been in the fridge, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm.
2. Using a glass or a cutter, cut circles with a diameter of 6 cm.
3. Place a teaspoon of the poppy seed filling on each dough circle. Fold the circle into a semicircle, then twist the ends slightly to form a horn. Make sure the edges are well pressed so they do not open during baking.
4. Arrange the horns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to bake evenly.
Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Bake the horns for 25 minutes or until they turn golden. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!
3. After taking them out of the oven, immediately roll them in powdered sugar to give them a "snow" appearance and a sweet taste.
Storage
Snow horns are best stored in airtight tin boxes. Although they are delicious immediately after cooling, their secret lies in the fact that after 2-3 days, they become even more delicate and melt in your mouth.
Practical Tips
- Ingredients: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough. If you want an even more intense flavor, you can use butter with a butter flavor.
- Filling: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground walnuts instead of poppy seeds. Add a little cocoa to the filling for a chocolate flavor.
- Vegan Option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the sour cream with a plant-based alternative to create a vegan-friendly recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of filling?
Absolutely! The horns can be filled with walnuts, plum jam, or even chocolate. Each variant will bring a different and delicious taste.
2. How can I prevent the dough from sticking?
Make sure to use enough flour on the surface, and if necessary, you can sprinkle a little semolina on the work surface.
3. Can the horns be frozen?
Yes! After rolling them in powdered sugar, you can freeze them in a sealed bag. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature.
Serving
Snow horns pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. You can also serve them with a vanilla sauce or delicate ice cream for an even more special dessert.
By experimenting with different fillings and flavors, these horns will quickly become a favorite among friends and family. Each bite will bring a touch of joy and turn any moment into a celebration. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 380 g flour, 2 tablespoons semolina, 200 g butter, 200 g sour cream. Filling: 200 g ground poppy seeds, 110 g powdered sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 100 ml milk, grated zest of one lemon.
