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Craquelin Choux Buns

17/11/2023

Craquelin choux buns are a variation of the classic choux pastry that feature a crunchy craquelin topping. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients for the choux:

  • 125 ml water
  • 125 ml milk
  • 110 g butter
  • A pinch of salt
  • A teaspoon of sugar
  • 140 g flour
  • 4-5 medium eggs (approximately 220 g without shells)

Ingredients for the craquelin:

  • 100 g soft butter
  • 120 g brown sugar
  • 120 g flour

Preparation

For the choux pastry (buns):

  1. Preheat the oven to 180° C.
  2. In a saucepan, put water, milk, butter, salt and sugar, and bring to a boil.
  3. Add sifted flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough detaches from the walls of the pan and forms a ball.
  4. Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg well before adding the next one, until you get a smooth and shiny mixture that falls from the spatula forming a ribbon.
  6. Put the dough into a piping bag with a smooth nozzle and form little mounds on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  7. Let them rest in the refrigerator while you prepare the craquelin.

For the craquelin:

  1. Mix the soft butter with the brown sugar until you get a cream.
  2. Add the flour and form a uniform dough.
  3. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of about 2-3 mm.
  4. Place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
  5. After resting, cut out discs of the same size as your choux dough mounds.
  6. Place a disc of craquelin on top of each mound of choux dough.

Cooking:

  1. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown (do not open the oven during cooking to avoid the choux buns collapsing).
  2. Once the choux buns are puffed and golden, turn off the oven and let them cool inside with the door slightly open.

Curiosity

The secret of craquelin is the contrast between the soft interior and the crisp exterior. You can fill craquelin choux buns with pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream, depending on your tastes. In France, they are particularly appreciated for their enticing appearance and unique texture.

Craquelin Choux Buns