🥐 The Irresistible “Addictive Crescents” Recipe
Introduction
These buttery, flaky crescents are more than just a pastry—they’re a memory in the making. With a golden-brown exterior that gives way to soft, tender layers inside, they’ve earned the title “addictive” for a reason. Perfect for brunches, tea time, or as a comforting treat, once you bake them, they’ll become a star at every gathering.
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📜 A Brief History
Crescent-shaped pastries have roots across cultures—from France’s iconic croissants to Middle Eastern sfeeha and Eastern European rogaličky. Originally inspired by the Austrian kipferl, the crescent shape is said to have symbolized the Ottoman Empire’s crescent moon. This version blends European technique with a touch of home-style simplicity, creating a versatile dough that welcomes both sweet and savory fillings.
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🥣 Ingredients
For the Dough:
· 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
· 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
· 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
· 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
· 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Layering Butter:
· 1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Finishing:
· 1 egg (for egg wash)
· 1 tablespoon milk or water
· Optional: pearl sugar, sliced almonds, or sesame seeds for topping
Filling Ideas (choose one or mix):
· Sweet: Chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, almond paste, Nutella, fruit jam
· Savory: Grated cheese, ham, spinach-feta, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes
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👩🍳 Method & Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead on a floured surface (or with a dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Block
1. While dough rises, mix cold butter with 2 tbsp flour using a spatula or in a stand mixer until pliable but still cold.
2. Shape into a 6×6-inch square between parchment paper. Chill until firm.
Step 3: Laminate the Dough
1. Roll risen dough into a 10×10-inch square.
2. Place butter block in the center, folding dough corners over to enclose.
3. Roll into a 8×16-inch rectangle. Fold into thirds (like a letter). Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Repeat the roll-fold-chill process two more times to create layers.
Step 4: Shape the Crescents
1. Roll dough into a 1/4-inch thick circle, then cut into 12–16 triangles.
2. Place a small amount of filling at the wide end, then roll toward the point.
3. Curve ends inward to form a crescent shape. Place on a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Final Proof & Bake
1. Cover shaped crescents and let rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk/water) and add toppings if desired.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
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🌟 Benefits & Why They’re So Loved
· Versatile: Adaptable to sweet or savory tastes.
· Comforting: Freshly baked pastries bring joy and warmth.
· Impressive: Seemingly professional, yet achievable at home.
· Freezer-Friendly: Shape and freeze before baking for fresh pastries anytime.
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💖 For the Lovers of These Crescents
If you adore these, try these variations:
· Almond Crescents: Add almond extract to dough, fill with marzipan, top with almonds.
· Everything Bagel Crescents: Brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with everything seasoning.
· Raspberry Cream Cheese: Fill with sweetened cream cheese and raspberry jam.
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📊 Nutrition (per plain crescent, without filling)
· Calories: ~220
· Fat: 12g
· Carbs: 24g
· Protein: 4g
· Sugar: 3g
Note: Nutrition varies with fillings and toppings.
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✅ Conclusion
These addictive crescents are more than a recipe—they’re an experience. The process of laminating, shaping, and baking is therapeutic, and the result is irresistibly delicious. Whether shared with coffee on a slow morning or presented at a party, they never fail to delight.
Once you make them, you’ll understand why they earn a permanent spot on your menu. Happy baking—and consider yourself warned! 😉
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👨🍳 Pro Tip: For best results, keep all ingredients cold during lamination, and don’t rush the rising times. Patience makes perfect layers!
Enjoy your homemade crescents—and welcome to the club of addicts! 🥐❤️