Freshly baked homemade medialunas, soft and flaky, perfect for any breakfast or afternoon treat.

I’d like to begin this project by sharing the place where it all started: with one coffee -or mate- with “medialunas” at La Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

In my experience, I’ve spent most of my life in Buenos Aires. Whenever I had the chance, I took the opportunity to explore new provinces in my country, discovering their unique cultures, landscapes, and gastronomy.

Our culture is equally vibrant and dynamic. From the passion of tango in Buenos Aires to the traditions of the Andean communities in the north, every province has its own unique identity, colors, flavors, and rhythms. There’s a warmth in our gatherings, a resilience in our history, and a spirit of creativity that I feel privileged to share

But there’s something about Buenos Aires that steals your heart. Maybe it’s the incredible mix of people from all over the world who make up its vibrant soul, or perhaps it’s the constant buzz of activity—there’s always something to do, from art exhibits and live music to street festivals and late-night clubs and cafés!. Buenos Aires has a way of inviting you in, urging you to explore and experience every corner of its lively streets.

And then, there’s that unmistakable porteño charm. The people here have a way of making you feel like an old friend within moments of meeting. It’s in the way they greet you with a warm smile, the openness of their conversations, and their knack for pulling you into the rhythm of the city. Here, strangers can become friends over a shared mate or a quick chat at a café, and that easy camaraderie is just one more reason why Buenos Aires feels like home to so many.

One of the sweetest symbols of this welcoming culture is the beloved medialuna. Just as Buenos Aires invites you to indulge in its rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, these flaky, buttery croissants beckon you to savor a piece of Argentine tradition.

Imagine tearing into a warm medialuna, the flaky layers breaking apart to reveal a soft, buttery interior, with a hint of sweetness that dances on your palate. Pair this with a robust coffee or a comforting mate, and you’ve created a moment of bliss—one that embodies the heart of Argentine hospitality.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe for these delightful pastries that will bring a taste of Buenos Aires right to your kitchen!

Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with making laminated dough; I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your medialunas turn out perfectly fluffy and golden.

Ingredients for 12 tasty medialunas:

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 120 cc lukewarm milk (about ½ cup)
• 15 g fresh yeast
• 1 egg
• 50 g sugar
• 10 g honey
• 5 g salt
• 100 g butter at room temperature
• 15 g additional flour (for the butter layer)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the yeast:
   • Heat the milk until lukewarm (not hot) and dissolve the yeast in it. Stir well and set aside.
2. Make the dough:
   • In a large bowl, place the flour and create a well in the center. Add the salt around the edge of the well.
   • In the well, add the sugar, the egg, the milk with the dissolved yeast, and the honey. Mix gently from the center towards the edges with a fork.
3. Knead the dough:
   • Knead on a work surface for 5-10 minutes until the dough is well combined. Cover with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place.
4. Prepare the butter layer:
   • Mix the softened butter with 15 g of flour until fully combined.
5. Rolling out the dough:
   • Roll the dough out until it’s thin. Place the butter layer in the center and completely wrap it.
   • Place the wrapped dough in the fridge and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Repeat the rolling process:
   • Roll out the dough again and repeat the folding process 4 times, refrigerating in between each time.
7. Cut and shape the croissants:
   • Roll the dough to a thickness of 4-5 mm. Cut into triangles and shape the croissants by rolling from the base to the tip. Place them on a greased baking tray.
8. Proof and bake:
   • Let them proof in a warm place for 40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Brush with beaten egg and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Glaze for shine (optional):
   • Cook equal parts sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. For an extra touch, add vanilla extract or lemon zest.
   • Once the croissants are out of the oven, brush them with the syrup for an irresistible shine.
   • TIP: If you’re feeling indulgent, once they’re cool, you can fill your croissants with any type of sweet cream (pastry cream, Nutella, etc.) or savory ingredients like ham and cheese. And if you can find it, the classic dulce de leche (the type used for pastries “pastelero”) is also a great option!

Once you’ve made these delightful pastries, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, or even your favorite memories of Buenos Aires in the comments below. Let’s connect over our love for food and culture!