Description
Learn how to make flaky, buttery homemade croissants from scratch. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of creating delicious, bakery-worthy croissants with perfect layers of butter and dough. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe will help you achieve croissants that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 12g (2 tsp) salt
- 55g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 10g (1 tbsp) active dry yeast
- 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, lukewarm
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 150ml (2/3 cup) cold water
For the Butter Block:
- 280g (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture along with cold water, and mix to form a dough.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Block
- Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a 7-inch square using a rolling pin.
- Refrigerate the butter block while the dough rises.
Step 3: Laminate the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 10-inch square.
- Place the cold butter block in the center and fold the dough over the butter to seal it inside.
- Roll the dough into a 24×10-inch rectangle.
- Fold the dough into thirds (like a letter), wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling for 30 minutes between each fold.
Step 4: Shape the Croissants
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into triangles (4 inches wide, 8 inches tall).
- Roll each triangle tightly from the base to the tip to form the croissant shape.
- Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tucking the tips under to keep them from unrolling.
Step 5: Proof the Croissants
- Cover the croissants with a towel and let them rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 6: Bake the Croissants
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the croissants with the egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Temperature Control: Keep the butter cold throughout the lamination process to ensure proper layering.
- Chill the Dough: Be patient and ensure the dough is chilled between folds to prevent the butter from mixing into the dough.
- Storage: Store croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: homemade croissants, flaky croissants, buttery croissants, croissant recipe
