Mini Puff Pastry Bear Claws with Chocolate Filling
Are you a pastry lover? Do you love trying out new and exotic pastries? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will introduce you to a delectable pastry called the “Bear Claw Pastry“. This pastry has a unique taste and texture that will tantalize your taste buds. We will provide you with a step-by-step recipe that will help you make this pastry at home. So, let’s get started!
The bear claw pastry is a popular pastry in many parts of the world. It is believed to have originated in Europe and then spread to other parts of the world. The pastry has a unique shape that resembles a bear’s claw, hence the name. It is a pastry made with a flaky, buttery dough that is filled with a sweet and nutty filling. The filling can be made with a variety of nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts. The pastry is usually served as a dessert or as a snack with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
To make the bear claw pastry, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp of salt
– 1/2 cup of cold water
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tbsp of milk
– 1 cup of ground almonds
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
Instructions for making Bear Claw Pastry
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start with the recipe:
Step 1: Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the bowl and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the cold water to the bowl and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Filling
- In a bowl, mix together the ground almonds and sugar.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Assembling the Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Cut the dough into triangles.
- Spoon the filling onto the center of each triangle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a claw shape.
- Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the egg yolk and milk and brush it over the pastries.
- Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Step 4: Serving
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the pastries warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips
- You can substitute the ground almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Make sure the butter is cold when you mix it with the flour to ensure a flaky pastry.
- Don’t overfill the pastry with the filling to avoid it spilling out of the pastry while baking.
Conclusion
The bear claw pastry is a delicious pastry that is easy to make at home. With this recipe, you can make a batch of fresh pastries that will impress your friends and family. The flaky pastry combined with the sweet and nutty filling is a match made in heaven. So, next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, give this recipe a try.
FAQs
Q 1. Can I freeze the bear claw pastry?
A. Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastry for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake them as directed.
Q 2. Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
A. Yes, you can use store-bought pastry dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Q 3. Can I make the filling with other nuts?
A. Yes, you can use other nuts like pecans or walnuts to make the filling.
Q 4. Can I add chocolate to the filling?
A. Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the filling to make it more decadent.
Q 5. How long do the pastries stay fresh?
A. The pastries will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
