Varaždinski Klipič - Croatian Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 ¾ cups) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 ¾ cups) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) ground walnuts 150g (1 ¼ cups) ground walnuts
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the dough comes together.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and knead the dough 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 about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by mixing the ground walnuts, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle.
7. 7.
   Spread a generous amount of the walnut filling onto each circle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Carefully fold the dough in half, creating a crescent shape, and seal the edges by pressing them together.
9. 9.
   Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for another 15 minutes.
10. 10.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. 11.
    Bake the Varaždinski Klipič for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
13. 13.
    Dust the pastries with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Make sure to use fresh walnuts for the filling to ensure a rich and nutty flavor.
• Active dry yeast — Check the expiration date on the yeast packet to ensure its effectiveness in the dough.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before incorporating it into the dough for easier mixing.
• Milk — Warm the milk to around 37°C (98°F) to activate the yeast properly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of rum or vanilla extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
• To achieve a more golden crust, brush the pastries with an egg wash before baking.
• Serve Varaždinski Klipič warm for the best taste and texture.
• These pastries can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Varaždinski Klipič as a delightful breakfast pastry or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Varaždinski Klipič on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar. You can also garnish them with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few crushed walnuts for an elegant touch.