Cream-Filled Pastry Rings with a Delicate Crackle

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

The crackle

90 grams (3.2 ounces) brown sugar
90 grams (3.2 ounces) flour
75 grams (2.6 ounces) butter

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

Equipment

Mixing Bowl:
Use a sturdy, large bowl to ensure easy mixing without spills.
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.
Pastry Bag:
Essential for piping the dough into perfect rings. For added ease, invest in a set of different nozzle sizes.
Baking Sheet:
Choose a non-stick, heavy-duty baking sheet to maintain even heat distribution.
Blender:
Creates a smooth cottage cheese cream effortlessly. Ensure it's powerful enough to handle thick mixtures.

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! 🌼✨

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.