Authentic Argentinian Medialunas

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 60g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 60g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing) 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk and eggs. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. 3.
   Add the softened butter and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
6. 6.
   Roll out each portion into a thin rectangle.
7. 7.
   Spread melted butter evenly over the dough.
8. 8.
   Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
9. 9.
   Cut the log into small triangles and gently stretch each triangle to form a crescent shape.
10. 10.
    Place the Medialunas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
11. 11.
    Cover the Medialunas with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
12. 12.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
13. 13.
    Bake the Medialunas for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
15. 15.
    Dust the Medialunas with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened for the dough and melted for brushing. Softened butter ensures a smooth dough, while melted butter adds a rich flavor and golden color to the Medialunas.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flakiness, you can fold the dough in thirds like a letter before rolling it out.
• If you prefer sweeter Medialunas, you can sprinkle some granulated sugar on top before baking.
• Serve the Medialunas warm for the best taste and texture.
• You can freeze the unbaked Medialunas and bake them later for a fresh batch whenever you desire.
• Experiment with fillings such as dulce de leche or Nutella for a delicious twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Medialunas as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Medialunas on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar. You can also serve them in a traditional Argentinian bread basket for an authentic touch.