Croissant Recipe

Freshly baked French croissant—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With tips from my trip to Paris, I’ve perfected this recipe and know you will love it! This Croissant Recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion. The delightful aroma of freshly baked croissants will fill your kitchen, making it an inviting place for family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Follow: This croissant recipe breaks down each step clearly, making it approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: With layers of buttery goodness, these croissants are rich in flavor and sure to impress.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain, filled with chocolate, or served alongside your favorite jams.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday gathering, these croissants elevate any meal.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making flaky croissants from scratch.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference when baking croissants. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring your croissants have perfect layers.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking that ensures even heat distribution for perfectly golden-brown croissants.

Ingredients

To create these delectable croissants, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 18 oz all-purpose flour (or just over 4 cups)
• ¼ cup + 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 2½ tsp fine sea salt or table salt
• 1 Tbsp + 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp cold water
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp cold whole milk

For the Butter Layer

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened (use European-style butter)
• 1¼ cups cold, unsalted butter (use European-style butter only)

For Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Croissant Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, fine sea salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed.

Add cold water and cold milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms. Knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Butter

While the dough is resting, prepare your butter layer. Place the softened unsalted butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator while your dough rests.

Once rested, roll out your dough into a rectangle that is twice as wide as your butter layer. Place the chilled butter in the center of the dough rectangle. Fold the sides over to enclose the butter completely.

Step 3: Roll and Fold

Roll out your dough into a long rectangle again. Fold it into thirds like a letter. This is known as a turn. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times.

Step 4: Shape Croissants

After completing the turns, roll out your dough one last time into a large rectangle. Cut triangles from the dough and roll each triangle from base to tip to form croissant shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Proofing

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour). Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 6: Bake

Brush each croissant with an egg wash made from beaten egg yolk mixed with a pinch of salt. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade croissants fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Croissant Recipe

Freshly baked croissants are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, there are numerous serving options to elevate your enjoyment of this classic French pastry.

Sweet Options

• Butter and Jam: Spread a generous layer of butter on your croissant and top it with your favorite fruit jam for a simple yet satisfying combination.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Slather on creamy chocolate hazelnut spread for an indulgent breakfast or snack.
• Fruit and Cream: Pair your croissant with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a light dessert.

Savory Options

• Cheese and Ham: Add slices of cheese and turkey for a savory twist that’s perfect for brunch.
• Avocado and Egg: Top your croissant with smashed avocado and a poached egg for a healthy breakfast option.
• Spinach and Feta: Fill your croissant with sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a delicious savory option.

How to Perfect Croissant Recipe

Creating the perfect croissant requires attention to detail and some helpful techniques. Here are tips to ensure your croissants turn out flaky and delicious.

• Bold temperature control: Keep all ingredients cold until you’re ready to use them. A cool environment ensures the butter stays firm, allowing for distinct layers.
• Bold proper folding technique: Master the lamination process by folding the dough correctly. This enhances the layers that create that signature flakiness.
• Bold patience is key: Allow adequate resting time during each stage of the process. This helps develop flavor and texture in your croissants.
• Bold use of quality ingredients: Use high-quality European-style butter for the best flavor and texture in your croissants.
• Bold bake until golden: Monitor the baking time closely; remove the croissants when they are deep golden brown for optimal color and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Croissant Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your croissant can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens can balance out the richness of the croissant.
2. Fruit Platter: A variety of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the buttery pastry well.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a wholesome side that contrasts nicely with croissants.
4. Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup makes for a cozy pairing, especially on cooler days.
5. Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses to enjoy alongside your croissants, offering diverse flavors to explore.
6. Herb Omelette: A fluffy omelet seasoned with fresh herbs makes a hearty addition to breakfast featuring croissants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making croissants can be tricky, and there are several common pitfalls to avoid for a perfect result.

• Bold dough handling: Overworking the dough can lead to tough croissants. Handle the dough gently and only as much as necessary.

• Bold temperature control: Not keeping the butter and dough cold can ruin your layers. Always ensure that both remain chilled during the rolling process.

• Bold incorrect measurements: Using inaccurate measurements can affect the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring ingredients.

• Bold skipping resting time: Neglecting to let the dough rest can prevent proper rising. Allow adequate time for the dough to relax after each fold.

• Bold improper baking time: Under or overbaking can lead to inconsistent results. Keep an eye on your croissants as they bake, aiming for a golden-brown color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover croissants in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Croissant Recipe

• Wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 2 months frozen.

Reheating Croissant Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This may soften them but won’t restore crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid briefly until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious croissant recipe.

How long does it take to make this Croissant Recipe?

The total time is about 980 minutes, including resting periods. The hands-on prep time is around 60 minutes.

Can I customize my Croissant Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add fillings like chocolate, almond paste, or fruit preserves before rolling up your croissants.

What type of flour should I use for this Croissant Recipe?

All-purpose flour works well, but using bread flour can give you a chewier texture if preferred.

How do I ensure my Croissants are flaky?

The key to flaky layers is keeping the butter cold and incorporating it properly into the dough during folding.

Final Thoughts

This croissant recipe is not only delightful but also versatile. Whether enjoyed plain, filled with sweet or savory options, they are sure to impress. I encourage you to try making them at home and explore different fillings and toppings!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Croissant Recipe

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 croissants 1x

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Description

Indulge in the art of French baking with this delightful Croissant Recipe, where crispy exteriors give way to soft, buttery layers. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these homemade croissants will fill your kitchen with a warm aroma that invites family and friends to enjoy a gourmet experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 18 oz all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup + 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 2½ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 Tbsp + 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp cold water
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp cold whole milk
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1¼ cups cold unsalted butter (for layers)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• Pinch of salt (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add cold water and milk; mix into a rough dough. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2. Roll softened butter into a rectangle and chill. Roll out the dough into a larger rectangle; place chilled butter in the center and fold over.
3. 3. Roll out again and fold into thirds; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Repeat two more times.
4. 4. Roll out one last time, cut triangles from the dough, and roll each into croissant shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. 5. Let rise until doubled (about an hour). Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and brush croissants with egg wash before baking for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 croissant (70g)
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg