Imagine biting into a heavenly fusion of croissant and donut, infused with the magical essence of marzipan and Christmas spirit! These Christmas Cronuts are not just a dessert; they're a culinary adventure that will transform your holiday baking from ordinary to extraordinary. With layers of flaky, buttery goodness and a subtle almond undertone, these festive treats are guaranteed to become the star of your holiday spread, making everyone's taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 10 cronuts
Ingredients
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 100g marzipan, grated
- 50g sugar
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 150ml milk
- 50g butter, melted
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated marzipan, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Warm the milk slightly and add melted butter. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The marzipan will create a unique texture and subtle almond flavor.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll the dough out again and repeat the folding process to create multiple layers, which will give the cronuts their signature flaky texture.
- Using a round cookie cutter and a smaller center cutter, cut out donut shapes. Place the cut cronuts on a lightly floured baking sheet and let them prove for another 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the cronuts in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove cronuts from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Let them cool slightly before decorating.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with holiday-themed icing, or sprinkle with crushed festive candies for a Christmas touch.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is lukewarm, not hot, when mixing with yeast to activate it correctly without killing the cultures.
- Patience with Proofing: Allow sufficient rising time for the dough. A warm, draft-free area helps develop those signature layers.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain a consistent 350°F for even, golden-brown frying.
- Don't Overcrowd: Fry cronuts in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Marzipan Tip: Grate the marzipan finely to distribute it evenly throughout the dough for a consistent almond flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor development.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
