Homemade croissants are the epitome of indulgence, offering layers of golden, buttery perfection with every bite. The delicate crisp on the outside gives way to an airy, melt-in-your-mouth interior, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch. Whether paired with coffee, jam, or enjoyed on their own, croissants bring a taste of French baking straight to your kitchen.
Making croissants from scratch is a rewarding experience, from carefully folding the butter into the dough to watching them rise into beautifully flaky pastries. The process may take time, but the result is a bakery-worthy masterpiece that fills your home with the rich aroma of fresh bread. Perfect for special occasions or as a weekend baking project, these croissants will impress anyone who takes a bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Gradually add warm milk, stirring until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and place the cold butter cubes evenly over one half. Fold the other half over and seal the edges.
- Roll out and fold the dough again, repeating the process 3 times, chilling between each fold.
- After the final fold, roll the dough into a large rectangle and cut into triangles.
- Roll each triangle from the base to the tip to form croissant shapes.
- Place croissants on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush croissants with egg wash.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Prep Time: 2 hours | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 croissants
What Are Croissants?
Croissants are a classic French pastry known for their delicate, flaky layers and buttery flavor. They are made from a laminated dough, which means layers of butter are folded into the dough multiple times to create a light, airy texture. These pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack with coffee.
Why Make Croissants at Home?
While croissants can be bought at bakeries, nothing compares to the fresh, homemade version. When made from scratch, you control the quality of the ingredients and enjoy the rewarding process of creating something special. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked croissants filling your kitchen is simply irresistible!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Croissants
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Use High-Quality Butter – The butter you use will significantly impact the taste and texture. European-style butter with a high fat content (82% or more) is ideal because it creates flakier layers.
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Chill Between Folds – Keeping the dough and butter cold is essential for proper lamination. If the butter starts to soften, refrigerate the dough before continuing to roll and fold.
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Be Patient – Croissants require time to develop their structure and flavor. Letting the dough rest in the fridge between folding will result in a beautifully layered and airy pastry.
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Roll Evenly – When rolling out the dough, apply even pressure to maintain consistent thickness, ensuring even layers of butter throughout.
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Let Them Proof Properly – Once shaped, croissants should proof at room temperature until they are puffy and slightly jiggly. Under-proofed croissants won’t rise well, and over-proofed ones may collapse.
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Egg Wash for Shine – Brushing croissants with an egg wash before baking gives them that signature golden, glossy finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Dough – Kneading too much can develop too much gluten, making it difficult to roll out.
- Melting Butter Layers – If the butter melts into the dough instead of creating separate layers, the croissants won’t be as flaky.
- Skipping the Resting Periods – Resting time helps prevent the butter from breaking through the dough and keeps the layers distinct.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature – Croissants bake best at a high temperature (375°F/190°C) for that perfect golden crust.
Croissant Variations to Try
Once you master classic croissants, try these delicious variations:
- Chocolate Croissants (Pain au Chocolat) – Add chocolate sticks or pieces inside before rolling.
- Almond Croissants – Fill with almond paste and top with sliced almonds.
- Savory Croissants – Add cheese, ham, or spinach for a delicious twist.
- Mini Croissants – Make smaller versions for bite-sized treats.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Croissants:
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- For longer storage, freeze croissants for up to 2 months in a sealed bag.
How to Reheat Croissants:
- Oven: Warm at 325°F (165°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes for a quick refresh.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): Can make croissants chewy instead of crispy.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Croissants?
- With Coffee or Tea – A cup of espresso or black tea complements the rich, buttery flavor.
- With Fruit Preserves – Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam adds a sweet contrast.
- With Honey or Butter – A drizzle of honey or extra butter enhances the taste.
- With Cheese – Serve with brie, gouda, or cream cheese for a savory balance.
How to Make Croissants from Scratch
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic croissants, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the croissants.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the butter.
- 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast – Helps the dough rise and creates the perfect texture.
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed – Hydrates the flour and activates the yeast.
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Creates flaky layers when laminated into the dough.
- 1 egg, for egg wash – Gives the croissants their signature golden and glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Gradually add the warm milk and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
2. Incorporate the Butter (Laminating the Dough)
- Roll the chilled dough into a large 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Place the cold butter cubes evenly over one half of the dough.
- Fold the other half over the butter and seal the edges.
- Roll the dough out into another large rectangle, then fold it like a letter into three layers.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then repeat the rolling and folding process two more times to create the flaky layers.
3. Shape the Croissants
- After the final chilling period, roll the dough into a thin rectangle.
- Cut the dough into triangles about 8 inches tall and 4 inches wide at the base.
- Roll each triangle from the wide base to the tip, forming the classic croissant shape.
- Place the croissants on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Cover and let them rise at room temperature for about 2 hours until puffy.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the croissants gently with a beaten egg wash to give them a golden shine.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the croissants are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Common Croissant Mistakes and How to Fix Them
🚫 Butter Leaking Out While Baking – This happens if the butter melted during rolling. Always chill the dough between folds to prevent this.
🚫 Croissants Didn’t Rise Properly – Either the yeast was inactive, or the croissants were under-proofed. Make sure they are proofed until puffy before baking.
🚫 Tough and Dense Texture – Over-kneading or using too much flour can result in dense croissants. Handle the dough gently for the best texture.
Conclusion:
Homemade croissants may take time, but the results are absolutely worth it! With crispy golden layers, a soft buttery center, and the satisfaction of making them from scratch, these pastries will become your go-to baking project. Whether for a weekend treat or a special breakfast, they are sure to impress family and friends.