Easy Homemade Croissants – Flaky & Buttery Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Croissants are the perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. They are flaky, buttery, and simply delicious. Learning to make croissants at home can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With this easy recipe, you can impress your family and friends with your very own freshly baked pastries.

How to Make Croissants

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cold
• 1 1/4 cups milk, warm
• 1 egg, for egg wash

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Add the warm milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until it forms a dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Roll the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Place the butter in the center and fold the dough over the butter to cover it completely.
6. Roll the dough out into a larger rectangle again. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, resting the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes between each fold.
7. After the final fold, roll the dough out one last time into a large rectangle. Cut triangles from the dough.
8. Roll each triangle from the base to the tip to form a croissant shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Let the croissants rise for about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
10. Brush the croissants with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

How to Serve Croissants

Croissants taste great warm from the oven. You can serve them plain or with spreads like butter, jam, or chocolate. They also pair well with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.

How to Store Croissants

To store croissants, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They will last for about 2 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Croissants

• Make sure your butter is very cold when you start. This helps create the flaky layers.
• Don’t rush the resting times. Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for the best texture.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough. This prevents squishing and helps maintain layers.

Variation

You can add chocolate or almond paste to the filling for a different flavor. Instead of rolling the dough into triangles, try shaping them into different styles, such as crescents or spirals.

FAQs

Can I make croissants without a mixer?
Yes! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just use your hands to bring the ingredients together and knead on a floured surface.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the croissants might be denser.

How do I know when my croissants are done baking?
Croissants are ready when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.