Homemade Croissants Recipe – How to Make Flaky and Buttery Croissants from Scratch

Introduction:

Croissants are a popular French pastry known for their flaky, buttery, and crisp texture. Making croissants from scratch may seem intimidating, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make delicious and perfect croissants at home. In this recipe, we will guide you through all the necessary steps to make homemade croissants from scratch.

Table of Contents:

• Ingredients
• Preparation Time
• Dough Preparation
• Butter Preparation
• Laminating the Dough
• Shaping the Croissants
• Baking the Croissants
• Serving and Storage
• Conclusion

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg yolk, mixed with 1 tablespoon milk for egg wash

Preparation Time:

• Total time: 14-16 hours
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Resting time: 12 hours
• Baking time: 14-16 minutes

Dough Preparation:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Butter Preparation:

Place the cold, cubed butter between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Pound the butter with a rolling pin until it flattens out into a square.

Wrap the butter and refrigerate it until it is firm.

Laminating the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle.

Place the butter in the center of the rectangle and fold the dough over the butter.

Seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers.

Roll the dough out into a rectangle again and fold it into thirds like a letter.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Repeat the rolling, folding, and chilling process two more times.

Shaping the Croissants:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle.

Cut the dough into triangles.

Make a small cut in the center of the base of each triangle.

Roll up each triangle, starting from the base and tucking the pointed end underneath.

Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 1-2 hours.

Baking the Croissants:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Brush the croissants with the egg wash.

Bake the croissants for 14-16 minutes, until they are golden brown.

Serving and Storage:

Serve the croissants warm or at room temperature.

Store leftover croissants in an airtight container

Conclusion:

With this recipe, you can make delicious and flaky croissants right in your own kitchen. Follow the steps carefully and be patient, as the process may take some time. Once you taste the buttery and crispy croissants, it will be worth the effort. Share your results with friends and family and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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