Cream Cheese “Croissants” Recipe
These Cream Cheese “Croissants” are not exactly traditional croissants but are delightfully reminiscent of them with their golden, flaky appearance. They also evoke the nostalgic charm of Pigs in a Blanket, though this delightful treat is a sweet dessert instead. Despite their resemblance to savory snacks, these pastries are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and making a memorable dessert.
Prep Time: 50 minutes (includes chilling)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 32 “croissants”
Ingredients
- Butter: 8 tablespoons (1 stick), softened
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Water: 1 tablespoon
- Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (for glazing)
- Chopped Walnuts: 4 tablespoons
- Brown Sugar: 4 tablespoons
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes of mixing.
- Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl and blend until the dough just comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky and soft.
- Gather the dough into a ball, divide it in half, and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in greaseproof paper or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up and make it easier to roll out.
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Make the Filling:
- While the dough chills, prepare the filling by mixing together the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- Working with one disk of dough at a time, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin circle approximately 11 inches in diameter.
- Use a dinner plate or another round object as a guide to trim the edges into a neat circle.
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Assemble the Pastries:
- Brush the surface of the dough with an egg white glaze (if desired, you can mix 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon of water for a glossy finish).
- Evenly sprinkle half of the prepared filling over the dough.
- Cut the dough circle into quarters, and then cut each quarter into 4 smaller triangles, giving you a total of 16 triangles.
- Starting from the base of each triangle, roll them up tightly to form little spirals.
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Bake the Pastries:
- Place the rolled “croissants” on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Brush the tops with the remaining egg white glaze and sprinkle each with a bit of granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the “croissants” are golden brown and puffed up.
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Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack before serving. This cooling time helps the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.
These Cream Cheese “Croissants” are perfect for a special treat or a sweet addition to your brunch spread. They combine the richness of cream cheese and butter with the nutty sweetness of walnuts and cinnamon, creating a pastry that’s both elegant and delicious. Enjoy the delight of homemade pastries with a touch of simplicity and sophistication! 🍽️🥐
