Croissants are a beloved French pastry known for their flaky, buttery layers. This homemade croissant recipe, while a bit time-consuming, yields wonderfully crisp and airy pastries perfect for breakfast or a special treat.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 1 hour
- Chilling: 40 minutes
- Fermentation: 2-3 hours
- Baking: 16 minutes
- Total: Approximately 4-5 hours
Ingredients
- 300g (2 cups) bread flour
- 4g (1/2 tbsp.) instant yeast
- 25g (2 tbsp.) sugar
- 1 egg (approximately 50g)
- 145g (0.6 cup) milk
- 3g (1/2 tsp) salt
- 20g (1.4 tbsp.) unsalted butter (for dough)
- 90g (6 tbsp.) unsalted butter (for layering)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, instant yeast, and sugar.
- Add the egg and milk to the dry ingredients, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Add the salt and 20g of unsalted butter to the dough, kneading until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide and Shape:
- Divide the dough into 9 equal parts, approximately 60 grams each.
- Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a disc of about 20cm in diameter.
- Layering the Butter:
- Take the 90g of unsalted butter and divide it into 8 equal parts, approximately 11 grams each.
- Layer the dough discs, spreading 11 grams of butter between each layer.
- Stack the layers and roll out into a large disc about 40cm in diameter.
- Chill the Dough:
- If it’s summer, freeze the dough for about 20 minutes. If it’s winter, refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up the butter layers.
- Roll and Shape:
- Use a thicker rolling pin to roll the dough evenly, flipping it over occasionally to ensure even thickness.
- Roll until the dough reaches a round shape of about 40cm in diameter.
- Fermentation:
- Allow the dough to ferment for 2-3 hours at a temperature not exceeding 28°C. The dough should become puffy and jiggle slightly when moved.
- Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the croissants for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 180°C (355°F) and bake for an additional 6 minutes until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter and jam.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter, are cold to prevent it from melting into the dough prematurely.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent layers and proper rising.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bread Flour: Provides protein and structure.
- Egg: Adds richness and protein.
- Butter: Source of fats and flavor.
Dietary Information
- This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with suitable plant-based alternatives.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the croissants and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The process of making croissants is rewarding and yields a pastry that’s superior to store-bought versions.
- The flaky, buttery layers are perfect for indulging in a homemade treat.
- Customizable with different fillings like chocolate or almond paste.
Conclusion
Baking croissants at home is a labor of love that results in an irresistibly flaky and delicious pastry. Follow these steps and tips to enjoy fresh, homemade croissants that are perfect for any occasion. Bon appétit!
