Description
Master the art of flaky, buttery croissants with this ultimate homemade recipe. From mixing a tender dough infused with yeast to the meticulous folding and rolling technique that creates signature layers, these croissants are baked to golden perfection with a shiny egg wash finish. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe yields irresistible croissants with a delicate crumb and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Finish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour the warm milk into the dry mixture, stirring continuously until a rough dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
- Roll Out Dough: Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick to prepare for layering.
- Spread Butter: Evenly spread the softened unsalted butter over the entire surface of the rolled dough to create the buttery layers characteristic of croissants.
- First Fold and Roll: Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, turn it 90 degrees, then roll it out again into a rectangle. This folding technique creates thin layers of dough and butter.
- Repeat Folding: Repeat the folding and rolling process two additional times to build multiple buttery layers. Then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to rest and chill.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Shape Croissants: Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle and cut it into triangles. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the tip to form classic croissant shapes.
- Arrange Croissants: Place the roll-shaped croissants spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet, allowing room for expansion during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each croissant with a beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the croissants are puffed up and have a deep golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the croissants to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy the buttery, flaky deliciousness.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use cold butter for spreading but softened enough to spread easily; avoid melting butter.
- Resting the dough in the refrigerator is crucial for flaky layers and easier handling.
- Brush the egg wash just before baking to get a glossy, appealing crust.
- For best texture, consume croissants the same day or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French