Ingredients

The dough

125 grams (4.4 ounces) water
125 grams (4.4 ounces) milk
10 grams (0.35 ounces) sugar
100 grams (3.5 ounces) butter
2 grams (0.07 ounces) salt
150 grams (5.3 ounces) flour
240 grams (8.5 ounces, around 4 large) eggs
We recommend:
For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
4.8
(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details
For butter:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
4.5
(8,914) Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details Prime SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB
4.7
(27,356) SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB $10.99 View details
For flour:
Prime Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1)
4.7
(1,332) Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1) $62.33 View details

The crackle

90 grams (3.2 ounces) brown sugar
90 grams (3.2 ounces) flour
75 grams (2.6 ounces) butter
We recommend:
For brown sugar:
Prime best seller Sugar In The Raw Turbinado Cane Sugar Packets, 200 Count, Natural Sweetener for Drinks and Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO
4.8
(12,536) Sugar In The Raw Turbinado Cane Sugar Packets, 200 Count, Natural Sweetener for Drinks and Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO $7.38 $23.99 View details Prime best seller Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Brown Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Baking, Vegan, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Gluten Free, Sugar Replacement, Extract (Brown - 1 lb)
4.6
(118,724) Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Brown Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Baking, Vegan, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Gluten Free, Sugar Replacement, Extract (Brown - 1 lb) $12.83 View details
For flour:
Prime Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1)
4.7
(1,332) Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1) $62.33 View details
For butter:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
4.5
(8,914) Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details Prime SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB
4.7
(27,356) SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB $10.99 View details

The filling

400 grams (14.1 ounces) cottage cheese
100 grams (3.5 ounces) powdered sugar
240 grams (8.5 ounces, around 1 cup) heavy cream 33%
Zest of half a lemon
We recommend:
For cottage cheese:
LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 4 ounce bottle
4.5
(70) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 4 ounce bottle $18.75 View details Prime LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 1 ounce bottle
4.3
(535) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 1 ounce bottle $9.47 View details Moon Cheese - 100% Natural Cheese Snack - Gouda - 2 oz
4.1
(2,760) Moon Cheese - 100% Natural Cheese Snack - Gouda - 2 oz $3.99 View details
For powdered sugar:
Prime Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Powdered Sugar, Naturally Flavored Real Sugar, Non GMO & Gluten Free, 50 Pound (Pack of 1)
4.1
(37) Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Powdered Sugar, Naturally Flavored Real Sugar, Non GMO & Gluten Free, 50 Pound (Pack of 1) $106.95 View details Prime best seller Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Powdered Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Baking, Extract, Sugar Replacement (Powdered - 1 lb)
4.6
(118,724) Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Powdered Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Baking, Extract, Sugar Replacement (Powdered - 1 lb) $11.90 View details Prime Swerve Sweetener Powder, Confectioners, 12 oz
4.6
(39,317) Swerve Sweetener Powder, Confectioners, 12 oz $6.98 View details
For heavy cream 33%:
Prime BAVARIAN CREAM FILLING 10 LB
5
(1) BAVARIAN CREAM FILLING 10 LB $40.95 View details Prime Dr. Oetker Whipping Cream Stabilizer, 0.35 Oz, With Moofin Golden Ss Spoon - Long-Lasting, Firm Texture For Desserts, Pies, Cakes, Tarts - Versatile Topping, Stiff Peaks, Holds Shape [Pack Of 3]
4.9
(12) Dr. Oetker Whipping Cream Stabilizer, 0.35 Oz, With Moofin Golden Ss Spoon - Long-Lasting, Firm Texture For Desserts, Pies, Cakes, Tarts - Versatile Topping, Stiff Peaks, Holds Shape [Pack Of 3] $18.28 View details
For lemon:
Tate's Bake Shop Lemon Cookies, 7 oz
4.6
(16,935) Tate's Bake Shop Lemon Cookies, 7 oz $4.99 View details

Instructions

Step 1

1. Mix the sugar and flour together, then add cold butter cubes. Quickly knead the dough. Roll it thinly between two sheets of parchment paper and place it in the freezer.

Step 2

If the dough is difficult to handle, chill it for 10 minutes in the refrigerator before rolling.

Step 3

2. In a saucepan, combine milk, water, sugar, salt, and butter. Stir until the butter has completely melted. Add all the sifted flour at once and stir with a spatula until there are no more lumps. Continue to cook the dough while stirring until it stops sticking to the spatula.

Step 4

3. Set the dough aside, cover it with a towel, and let it cool to around 50°C (122°F). Gradually add the eggs, mixing with a hand mixer on low speed until the dough is thick and slowly slides off the spatula.

Step 5

If you don’t have a thermometer, the dough should be cool enough not to cook the eggs when added.

Step 6

4. Transfer the dough to a pastry bag. Pipe rings onto a baking sheet, using circular forms or templates to help guide the shape.

Step 7

To prevent the dough from sticking, you can lightly grease the parchment paper with non-stick spray.

Step 8

5. Bake the rings at 175°C (347°F) for 40-50 minutes. If they collapse after baking, return them to the oven briefly.

Step 9

It's important not to open the oven door during baking to prevent the rings from collapsing.

Step 10

6. In a blender, combine the cottage cheese and powdered sugar until you get a smooth cream. Add the lemon zest.

Step 11

7. Whip the cold heavy cream on low speed until it reaches firm peaks, then gently fold it into the cottage cheese mixture.

Step 12

For best results, chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.

Step 13

8. Slice off the tops of the rings, fill them with the cream mixture, and replace the tops.

Step 14

9. Note that the crackle is crispiest on the first day, so it's best to enjoy these pastries immediately or make a smaller batch!

Servings

Delight your guests with these *crackle pastries* by serving them fresh from the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar! These pastries are absolute show-stoppers at any brunch or afternoon tea. 🍰

Imagine slicing into that crisp exterior to reveal a luscious, creamy filling – every bite is a symphony of textures. Pair these with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey to enhance their sweetness. 🍯

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can decorate the tops with chocolate shavings, citrus zest, or even edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Whether it’s a family gathering or a fancy picnic, these pastries are sure to steal the show! 🌼✨

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Use a sturdy, large bowl to ensure easy mixing without spills.

We recommend:
Prime YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
4.7
(9,737) YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage $27.99 $35.99 View details Prime best seller Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set
4.8
(29,369) Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set $17.53 View details Prime REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)
4.8
(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details
Hand Mixer

Perfect for achieving the right consistency in both the dough and the filling. For best results, use a mixer with multiple speed settings.

We recommend:
Prime Hand Mixer Electric Mixing Bowls Set, 5 Speeds Handheld Mixer with 5 Nesting Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, Measuring Cups Spoons 200W Kitchen Blender Whisk Beater Baking Supplies For Beginner
4.5
(9,511) Hand Mixer Electric Mixing Bowls Set, 5 Speeds Handheld Mixer with 5 Nesting Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, Measuring Cups Spoons 200W Kitchen Blender Whisk Beater Baking Supplies For Beginner $40.99 View details Prime KitchenAid 6 Speed Hand Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters - KHM6118
4.7
(2,032) KitchenAid 6 Speed Hand Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters - KHM6118 $79.95 View details
Pastry Bag

Essential for piping the dough into perfect rings. For added ease, invest in a set of different nozzle sizes.

We recommend:
Prime Yeaqee 600 Pcs Bakery Bags 7.1 x 7.5 Inches Heat Sealable Donut Bag with Window Paper Sandwich Bag Grease Resistant Cookie Packaging Kraft Sleeves for Pastries Snacks Egg Biscuits Treat
5
(7) Yeaqee 600 Pcs Bakery Bags 7.1 x 7.5 Inches Heat Sealable Donut Bag with Window Paper Sandwich Bag Grease Resistant Cookie Packaging Kraft Sleeves for Pastries Snacks Egg Biscuits Treat $38.99 $42.99 View details Prime Ireer 500 Pcs Brown Paper Cookie Sleeves 5.91 x 7.87 Wax Paper Treat Bags Kraft Paper Cookies Bags Glassine Bags Bakery Paper Sandwich Bags for Bakery Cookies Sandwich Snacks Bread
5
(3) Ireer 500 Pcs Brown Paper Cookie Sleeves 5.91 x 7.87 Wax Paper Treat Bags Kraft Paper Cookies Bags Glassine Bags Bakery Paper Sandwich Bags for Bakery Cookies Sandwich Snacks Bread $27.99 View details
Baking Sheet

Choose a non-stick, heavy-duty baking sheet to maintain even heat distribution.

We recommend:
Prime Paterson Paper 16" x 24" Full Size Unbleached Chromium-Free Reusable Baking Parchment Paper Sheets Commercial Bun/Sheet Pan Liners - 1000/Case - 425F - Non-Stick/Grease-Resistant
4.3
(98) Paterson Paper 16" x 24" Full Size Unbleached Chromium-Free Reusable Baking Parchment Paper Sheets Commercial Bun/Sheet Pan Liners - 1000/Case - 425F - Non-Stick/Grease-Resistant $169.58 View details Prime best seller Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack, Natural
4.7
(62,743) Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack, Natural $37.80 View details Prime Katbite 16x24 inch Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets, 100Pcs Precut Non-Stick Full Parchment Sheets for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Frying and Steaming, Full Sheet Baking Pan Liners, Commercial Baking
4.8
(13,822) Katbite 16x24 inch Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets, 100Pcs Precut Non-Stick Full Parchment Sheets for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Frying and Steaming, Full Sheet Baking Pan Liners, Commercial Baking $18.99 $25.99 View details
Blender

Creates a smooth cottage cheese cream effortlessly. Ensure it's powerful enough to handle thick mixtures.

We recommend:
Prime Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray
4.7
(102,420) Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray $99.99 $119.99 View details Prime Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS
4.7
(38,140) Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS $49.99 $69.99 View details Prime best seller Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set
4.4
(109,298) Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set $39.88 $49.99 View details

Variations

For those in need of gluten-free or vegan options, you don't have to miss out on this treat:

Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it's well-sifted to avoid lumps and knead the dough a bit longer to achieve the right elasticity. 🌾

Vegan Variation: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use almond milk or soy milk instead of dairy milk and a vegan egg substitute like flaxseed meal for the eggs. For the filling, opt for vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. 🌱

Faq

  • How do I prevent my pastry rings from collapsing?

    Ensure they're fully baked and have dried out properly in the oven. If they collapse after baking, return them briefly to the oven to firm up again.

  • Can I prepare the crackle dough in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare and freeze the crackle dough ahead of time. Just roll it out and keep it between parchment paper in the freezer.

  • How do I achieve a smooth cottage cheese filling?

    Blend the cottage cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth. Strain if necessary to remove any lumps.

  • Is it okay to use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

    Absolutely! A stand mixer can be even more efficient, especially for larger batches of dough or filling.

  • Can I add other flavors to the cream filling?

    Yes, you can experiment with various flavors such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or different citrus zests to find your favorite combination.

  • How should I store leftover pastries?

    Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best taste and texture, consume within 1-2 days.

Nutrition facts

Cream-Filled Pastry Rings with a Delicate Crackle
Recipe Yield:12 servings
Calories:Approximate calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):380 - 420
Total Fat:28g
Saturated Fat:18g
Protein:7g
Total Carbohydrate:26g
Total Sugars:14g