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! 🍽️🥐