Fluffy Jam Croissants – A Detailed Recipe for a Delicious Homemade Treat
Who doesn’t love the taste of fresh, homemade croissants, soft and fluffy, filled with sweet jam? This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make delicious croissants at home, with a soft and airy dough. Whether for breakfast or a quick snack, these jam croissants are always a winner!
For me, this type of recipe is a traditional one I grew up with. Fluffy croissants filled with jam—especially with plum or grape jam—were a common treat in our home.
Often, when we didn’t have any fancy ingredients at hand, these simple, delicious croissants were made with love. It’s a dish that reminds me of the old days, just like how our grandmothers used to make them every year in Romania.
Their fluffy, fragrant croissants were always a real treat, bringing warmth and nostalgia.
I made this recipe so often, sometimes weekly, and on occasions even more than once a week. So, allow me to share everything I know about these fluffy croissants with you!
How to Prepare the Dough for Jam Croissants;
Making the dough for jam croissants is easier than it might sound, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have soft, fluffy croissants ready to be filled with your favourite jam. Here’s how to prepare the dough:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
To start, warm up the milk. It should be lukewarm, around 100°F (40°C), but not hot. Add the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar to the milk, and stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure that the yeast is active and will help your dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and orange zest (if you’re using it). Add the oil to the mixture, and then pour in the milk with the activated yeast. Stir to combine everything smoothly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix gently, using a spoon or a spatula, until everything begins to come together. You want a sticky dough, but not too wet.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Once the ingredients are mixed, it’s time to knead. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the dough too dense. “Personally, I’ve kneaded the dough for less than 10 minutes, sometimes even just 5 minutes, and it worked perfectly!” If you have a stand mixer, feel free to let it do all the work for you.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential for light, airy croissants.
Step 6: Punch Down and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle and cut it into 8 even wedges (like a pizza). This is where the magic happens, so take your time to shape them evenly.
Step 7: Ready for Filling
Now that your dough is ready, you can start filling each croissant with a teaspoon of your chosen jam. Roll them up gently into a crescent shape and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one for expansion.
You can get creative with the filling for your croissants. These fluffy treats can be filled not only with jam but also with Turkish delight or ricotta cheese (well-drained) mixed with a little vanilla and raisins for a delicious variation.
Choosing the Right Jam for Your Croissants: Consistency Matters
When making these fluffy jam croissants, the choice of jam is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. You want a jam that is thick and consistent enough not to leak out of the croissants while baking. Some store-bought jams, especially those with a higher water content, tend to soften and run when exposed to heat, which can create a mess in the oven.
For the best results, look for jams or preserves that have a firm consistency. Quince jam is a popular choice, but you can also use other fruit preserves that are thicker. I recommend avoiding very runny jams, as they will ooze out of the croissants and make them less enjoyable.
If you want a non-fruit option, feel free to use Nutella but, others may not hold up as well during baking. You can also use chocolate chips, like those typically used in muffins, for a delightful twist!
They hold their shape better during baking and create a delicious, indulgent filling. Just be mindful not to overfill the croissants to avoid any spillage during the baking process.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious filling options, check out my [Moist Apple Crumble Cake](link to the article) recipe, which is just as easy to make and perfect for fruit dessert lovers.
Baking Tips for Perfect Jam Croissants;
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Let the Dough Rise Properly: Give your dough enough time to rise. This will ensure that your croissants turn out light and fluffy. Don’t rush the process!
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Fill the Croissants Moderately: Use about one teaspoon of jam per croissant. Too much filling can cause the jam to overflow and affect the texture.
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Watch Them While Baking: Keep an eye on the croissants as they bake. The dough tends to brown quickly due to the sugar, so be sure to check often to avoid burning.
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Use an Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: Before baking, brush the croissants with a mixture of egg yolk and milk. This gives the croissants a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish.
Why Fluffy Jam Croissants Are a Must-Try Recipe;
If you’re looking for the perfect breakfast treat or a delicious snack to enjoy with your coffee, fluffy jam croissants are a must-try! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth croissants, filled with your favourite jam, are incredibly simple to make yet offer a delightful flavour that will win over anyone who tries them. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The Secret to Their Fluffiness
The key to making perfect fluffy jam croissants lies in the dough. A well-prepared yeast dough is the foundation for these soft, airy croissants. Yeast dough is versatile and results in a light, fluffy texture when baked, making it ideal for croissants.
The dough should be slightly sweet and tender, with a delicate crumb. The slight tang from the yeast and the lightness from the rising process are what make the texture of these croissants so special.
If you’re new to working with yeast, don’t worry! With the right steps, you’ll quickly learn how to make yeast dough like a pro. For a more detailed guide on making yeast dough, be sure to check out my article How to Make Yeast Dough: Easy Steps for Perfect Results, which covers everything you need to know.
For more delicious muffin or croissant recipes, don’t miss my article on [Lemon Poppy Seed Baked Donuts](link to the article) – a perfect combination of citrus flavours and a fluffy texture.
Fluffy Jam Croissants
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 200 ml warm milk
- 100 gr sugar
- 80 ml oil
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 500-550 gr all-purpose flour
- 7 gr dry yeast 1 packet
For the filling:
- 150 gr quince jam or any preferred jam
For the glaze:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preparing the dough
- Start by heating the milk until it is warm, then add the dry yeast and one tablespoon of sugar from the total sugar amount. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The yeast will start to activate.
- Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining sugar, oil, and orange zest. Mix well.
- In a large bowl, add 500 gr of flour (you may add more later), then crack in the eggs and add a pinch of salt. Stir and gradually add the milk, sugar, and oil mixture. Knead until the dough becomes soft and non-sticky.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shaping the croissants
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll the first part into a ball and then flatten it into a thin sheet. Cut it into 8 equal triangles.
- Place a teaspoon of jam on each triangle, then roll them into croissant shapes. Arrange the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for about 25 minutes.
- Baking
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with milk and brush this mixture over the croissants for a nice shine and a beautiful golden color.
- Bake the croissants for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be careful because the sugar-based dough browns quickly, but it might not be fully baked inside if the temperature is too high. If needed, check the croissants frequently towards the end of baking.
- Cooling and Serving
- Once the croissants are baked, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They’re perfect alongside a cup of tea or as a delightful treat at any time of day.
Notes
Note: These croissants are a collection of photos taken over time, showcasing the versatility of this recipe. As I mentioned, I make these often, and you’ll notice they come with different fillings and shapes, all with perfect results every time. Whether it’s with traditional jam or other delicious fillings, these croissants never fail to impress!
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious recipe as much as I do! If you’d like to explore more of my culinary adventures, feel free to follow me on my:
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While I may be new to the scene, I’m driven by my passion for creating tasty dishes to share with others. Let’s cook and enjoy together!
