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Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked croissants in your kitchen! This easy croissant recipe delivers everything we love in a classic croissant—flaky, buttery layers that melt in your mouth, without the need for expert baking skills. With just a bit of folding and patience, you’ll achieve bakery-quality croissants at home. Ready to dive into this delicious treat?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bakery Quality at Home: Make beautiful, golden croissants without leaving your kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Only pantry staples are needed—no special tools or ingredients required.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Impress guests at brunch or enjoy a cozy morning treat with coffee.
Nutritional Benefits:
Croissants are all about indulgence, and with this homemade recipe, you can feel good knowing exactly what goes into them. By using real butter and flour, you’re getting a more natural take on this classic pastry.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
- ⅔ cup milk, cold
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Cooking Tips:
- Cold Ingredients: Use cold butter and milk for the flakiest layers.
- Easy Folding: The more you fold, the more flaky layers you’ll create.
- Overnight Chill: If time allows, chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and texture.
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.
2. Add Milk and Knead:
- Gradually pour in the cold milk, mixing until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead briefly, just until it comes together.
3. Roll and Fold:
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and fold it into thirds like a letter. Repeat this process two more times to create flaky layers.
4. Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
5. Shape the Croissants:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle and cut it into triangles. Roll each triangle tightly from the wide end to form croissant shapes.
6. Bake:
- Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the croissants for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and irresistibly flaky.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Once cooled slightly, savor each bite of your freshly baked croissants.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your croissants warm with a pat of butter, fruit jam, or honey for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them ideal for breakfast or a special brunch spread.
Storage Tips:
Store leftover croissants in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crisp, flaky texture.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back:
This croissant recipe offers the best of both worlds: a simple method and spectacular, bakery-style results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, you’ll feel like a pro with these easy steps!
Share this recipe with friends and family to spread the joy of homemade croissants—they’ll thank you for it!
