Classic Buttery Croissant Recipe

Classic Buttery Croissant Recipe 🥐

Croissants are the epitome of French pastry perfection—light, flaky, buttery, and oh-so-delicious. While making croissants from scratch requires time and patience, the process is incredibly rewarding. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating your own homemade croissants with that signature buttery layers and golden crispiness.

Let’s dive into how to make these classic buttery croissants!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Buttery & Flaky : Layers of dough and butter create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Homemade Magic : Impress yourself and others by mastering this iconic French pastry.
3. Customizable : Add chocolate, ham and cheese, or almond filling for variety.
4. Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch : Enjoy warm with coffee or tea for a luxurious start to your day.
5. Worth the Effort : Though time-intensive, the result is worth every step.

Ingredients

(Makes 12–16 croissants)

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour , plus extra for dusting 🥣
• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C ) 💧
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C ) 🥛
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🫒
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet ) 🌾
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 🧂
• 1 cup unsalted butter , cold (for laminating the dough ) 🧈

For Egg Wash:

• 1 egg , beaten 🥚
• 1 tablespoon milk 🥛

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water , warm milk , and sugar . Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid mixture and let it sit for 5–10 minutes , or until frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt .
2. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes , or until smooth and elastic.
   • Tip : The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour , or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Block

1. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper.
2. Use a rolling pin to pound and roll the butter into a flat rectangle, about 6×8 inches .
   • Tip : Keep the butter cold but pliable. If it becomes too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before proceeding.

Step 4: Laminate the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle slightly larger than the butter block (about 10×14 inches ).
2. Place the butter block in the center of the dough and fold the dough over the butter like an envelope, sealing the edges tightly.
3. Roll the dough into a rectangle again (about 8×16 inches ), then perform a book fold :
   • Fold the bottom third of the dough up, then fold the top third down, like folding a letter.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes .
5. Repeat the rolling and folding process 2 more times , chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each fold. After the final fold, chill the dough for 1 hour before shaping.

Step 5: Shape the Croissants

1. Roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle (about 10×20 inches ).
2. Cut the dough into long triangles (about 4–5 inches wide at the base ).
3. Make a small slit at the base of each triangle, then gently stretch and roll the dough into a crescent shape, starting from the base and rolling toward the tip.
4. Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them for proofing.

Step 6: Proof the Croissants

1. Cover the croissants loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let them proof in a warm, draft-free area for 1–2 hours , or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
   • Tip : To test if they’re ready, gently press a finger into the dough—if it springs back slowly, they’re ready.

Step 7: Preheat and Apply Egg Wash

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the mixture gently over the tops of the croissants for a shiny, golden finish.

Step 8: Bake

1. Bake the croissants for 15–20 minutes , or until golden brown and flaky.
   • Tip : Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

1. Let the croissants cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
2. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or as-is for a buttery treat!

Tips for Success

1. Keep the Butter Cold : Cold butter is key to achieving those flaky layers. Chill the dough and butter block as needed during the lamination process.
2. Don’t Rush the Proofing : Proper proofing ensures light, airy croissants. Be patient and let them rise fully.
3. Add Fillings : For chocolate croissants, place a piece of dark chocolate at the base of each triangle before rolling. For savory options, add ham and cheese.
4. Make Ahead : Freeze shaped, unbaked croissants on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
5. Switch Up the Sugar : Add a pinch of vanilla extract or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor.

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Perfect Pairings

These Classic Buttery Croissants pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast.
• Jam or Honey : Serve with your favorite fruit preserves, honey, or Nutella for added sweetness.
• Savory Options : Fill with ham and cheese or serve with a side of soup for a heartier meal.

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Nutritional Information (Per Croissant, Approx.)

(Based on 12 croissants)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~5g
• Carbohydrates : ~30g
• Fat : ~15g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Classic Buttery Croissants are a labor of love, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, these croissants deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of flaky layers, rich butter, and golden crispiness creates a pastry that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the fillings, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your flour, chill that butter, and get ready to enjoy a pastry that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.