Uruguayan Croissants (medialunas)

Uruguayan Croissants, known as Medialunas, are a popular pastry in Montevideo, Uruguay. They are flaky, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Uruguayan Croissants (medialunas)

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Add the warm milk and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  5. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle. Cut the circle into 12 wedges.
  6. Roll up each wedge tightly, starting from the wide end, to form a croissant shape. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Cover the croissants with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the croissants with the beaten egg wash.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
15 minutes
Total time:
35 minutes
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per croissant
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Protein
3g

Supplies

Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowl Pastry cutter Clean kitchen towel Wire rack

Tools

Oven Baking brush

Serving suggestions

Serve the Uruguayan Croissants with a hot cup of coffee or yerba mate for an authentic Uruguayan experience.

Tips & tricks

For extra flakiness, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out and shaping the croissants.

Cost

$10