Homemade French Croissant Recipe

Name: Homemade French Croissant Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup cold unsalted butter; For egg wash: 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk

Published: February 24, 2026

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky Layers: The unique folding technique creates multiple layers that result in wonderfully flaky croissants.
Versatile Use: Enjoy them plain, or fill them with chocolate, almond paste, or your favorite fruit preserves for added flavor.
Impressive Home-Baking: Mastering this recipe will impress your family and friends and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Freshly Baked Delight: Nothing beats the aroma of fresh croissants wafting through your home in the morning.
Customizable: You can experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Homemade French Croissant Recipe successfully, having the right tools is essential. They help streamline the process and ensure that each step is executed perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Baking sheet
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: A stand mixer makes kneading easier and more efficient, while a bowl is ideal for mixing by hand.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly and achieving the right thickness.
Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Ensures clean cuts when shaping the croissants for a professional finish.

Ingredients

To create your Homemade French Croissant Recipe, gather these ingredients:

For the Dough

4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (10g) salt
1 tablespoon (10g) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Butter Layer

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and shaped into a flat square

For Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

How to Make Homemade French Croissant Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit until foamy — about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the milk-yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Knead until smooth for about 3–5 minutes. Shape it into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 2: Shape the Butter

Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to shape it into a 6-inch square. If it’s too soft, chill it for a few minutes.

Step 3: Enclose the Butter

Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch square. Place the butter block diagonally in the center like a diamond. Fold the corners of the dough over the butter to enclose it completely.

Step 4: First Turn

Roll the dough into a long rectangle about 8×20 inches. Fold it into thirds like a letter. This is your first “turn.” Wrap it and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Repeat Turns

Repeat rolling, folding, and chilling two more times for a total of three turns. Each turn builds more layers — this means flakier croissants!

Step 6: Final Roll

After resting, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 7: Cut Triangles

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to trim edges and cut triangles roughly 5 inches wide at the base.

Step 8: Shape Croissants

Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently stretch and roll toward the tip to form that classic crescent shape.

Step 9: First Rise

Cover shaped croissants loosely with plastic wrap. Let them rise at room temperature for about 1.5 to 2 hours until puffy.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix egg with milk; gently brush over each croissant for that glossy finish.

Step 11: Bake

Bake croissants for 18–22 minutes until puffed and deep golden brown. Rotate pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 12: Cool

Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade French croissants!

How to Serve Homemade French Croissant Recipe

Homemade French croissants are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, there are plenty of delightful serving suggestions to enhance your croissant experience.

Sweet Serving Suggestions

With Jam or Marmalade: Spread your favorite fruit jam or marmalade on a warm croissant for a sweet breakfast treat.
Cream Cheese Spread: A layer of whipped cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the flaky pastry.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For chocolate lovers, spreading hazelnut cocoa spread gives a deliciously indulgent twist to your croissant.

Savory Serving Suggestions

With Cheese: Add slices of your favorite cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, for a savory option that’s perfect any time of day.
Egg Salad: Fill a croissant with creamy egg salad for a satisfying lunch that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Turkey and Avocado: Layer turkey slices and avocado for a fresh and healthy sandwich alternative.

How to Perfect Homemade French Croissant Recipe

Perfecting your homemade French croissants takes practice, but these tips can help you achieve that ideal flaky texture.

Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk are cold before starting. This helps maintain the layers during rolling.
Knead Gently: When mixing the dough, knead it just enough to combine ingredients. Over-kneading can lead to tough croissants.
Chill Between Turns: Always refrigerate your dough between turns. This keeps the butter firm, creating those beautiful layers.
Roll Evenly: Aim for an even thickness when rolling out the dough. Uneven dough leads to inconsistent baking results.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade French Croissant Recipe

Pairing side dishes with homemade French croissants can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their buttery flavor.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness of the croissants.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with the flaky pastry.
Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup provides a comforting contrast to the lightness of croissants.
Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens dressed in vinaigrette offer a refreshing side dish full of flavor.
Herbed Cream Cheese Dip: Serve with assorted veggies or crackers for a tasty dip that enhances the buttery taste of the croissants.
Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche pairs wonderfully with croissants, making for a hearty brunch option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making croissants, even a small mistake can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Mismeasuring ingredients – Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for the best results.
Using warm butter – Cold butter is essential for flaky layers. Ensure your butter is properly chilled before incorporating it into the dough.
Skipping the resting period – Patience is key. Each rest allows the dough to relax and develop layers, so don’t rush this step.
Overworking the dough – Too much kneading can develop gluten, leading to tough croissants. Knead just until smooth and then chill.
Not preheating the oven – An oven that isn’t hot enough will prevent proper rising and browning. Always preheat your oven before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover croissants in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep them at room temperature to maintain their texture.

Freezing Homemade French Croissant Recipe

Wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade French Croissant Recipe

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh taste.
Microwave – Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds, but this may make them chewy.
Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, allowing them to warm through without losing texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Homemade French Croissant Recipe that may help you as you bake.

How long does it take to make the Homemade French Croissant Recipe?

The total time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including prep and resting times.

Can I use whole wheat flour for the Homemade French Croissant Recipe?

Yes, but note that whole wheat flour may alter the texture and flavor. You may need to adjust hydration levels.

What can I fill my croissants with?

You can customize your croissants with chocolate, almond paste, or even savory fillings like cheese or herbs.

Why are my croissants not flaky?

If your croissants are not flaky, it may be due to warm butter or insufficient layering during the folding process. Ensure both are cold and properly executed.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade French croissants is rewarding and allows for customization based on your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them plain or filled with delicious treats, these croissants are perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings or flavors!

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