Average Rating
No rating yet
Cinesini alla Crema (Cream-Filled Pastries)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 125g |
Powdered sugar | 45g |
Extra virgin olive oil | 35ml |
Egg | 1 |
Baking powder | 4g |
For the Cream Filling:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Whole milk | 250ml |
Sugar | 75g |
All-purpose flour | 25g |
Egg yolks | 3 |
Vanilla pod | ½ (or vanilla extract) |
Chopped hazelnuts (or other nuts) | To taste |
Instructions
Preparing the Pastry:
- Making the Dough: Start by preparing the shortcrust pastry. Place the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl or on a flat surface. Mix the dry ingredients together and form a well in the center.
- Adding Wet Ingredients: Crack the egg into the well and add the extra virgin olive oil. Using your hands, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and firm.
- Resting the Dough: Once the dough is well-combined, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Rolling the Dough: After resting, remove the dough and roll it out on a floured surface with a rolling pin. Roll it to about 2-3mm thick.
- Cutting the Dough: Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out approximately 32 circles from the dough. These will form the two layers of each pastry. Gather and reroll the dough scraps to make more circles if needed.
- Baking the Pastry: Arrange the dough circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Ensure that they are spaced apart. Bake them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) in static mode for 10 minutes. If using a fan-assisted oven, lower the temperature to 140°C (280°F) and bake for 6-7 minutes. The cookies should remain light in color.
Preparing the Cream Filling:
- Infusing the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat along with the vanilla pod and its seeds. Stir occasionally to infuse the milk with the vanilla flavor.
- Making the Cream: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Gradually add the flour and whisk until fully combined.
- Combining Milk and Egg Mixture: Once the milk has warmed, remove the vanilla pod and slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously with a whisk to prevent curdling.
- Cooking the Cream: Return the mixture to the stove and cook over low heat, constantly stirring, until the cream thickens to the consistency of custard. Once thickened, remove from heat.
- Cooling the Cream: Transfer the cream to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic touches the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator.
Assembling the Cinesini:
- Filling the Pastry: Once the cream has cooled, transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Take one pastry circle, pipe a small amount of cream onto the center, and press another pastry circle gently on top to form a sandwich.
- Decorating: On a small plate, place the chopped hazelnuts (or other chopped nuts of your choice like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts). Gently roll the edges of each cream-filled pastry into the nuts, allowing them to stick to the cream.
- Chilling: Arrange the completed cinesini on a plate and refrigerate them until ready to serve.
Serving:
- Finishing Touches: Just before serving, dust the cinesini with a generous amount of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy these delightful cream-filled pastries!
Tips for the Best Cinesini alla Crema:
- Chill the Dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge ensures that it stays firm, making it easier to handle and roll out.
- Use Fresh Nuts: Freshly chopped hazelnuts or any other preferred nuts will add a lovely texture and flavor to the cinesini.
- Make the Cream in Advance: For the best results, make the cream filling the night before, allowing it plenty of time to cool and set in the fridge.
- Alternative Fillings: You can experiment with other fillings such as chocolate ganache or lemon curd for a creative twist on the classic.
These Cinesini alla Crema are perfect for any occasion, whether as an elegant dessert for a dinner party or a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The soft, buttery pastry and luscious cream filling come together for a truly irresistible bite.