Homemade Croissants: Flaky Perfection from Your Kitchen

There’s something magical about homemade croissants. Flaky, buttery, and delicious, they’re a true pastry delight. With a little patience and some basic ingredients, you can create these delicate pastries right in your own kitchen. Follow this detailed guide to bake up a batch of perfect croissants that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

Croissant Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast (active dry yeast also works)
• ½ cup water, room temperature
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup whole milk (2% milk can also be used)
• 1 large egg, beaten (used to brush the croissants)

Butter Square:

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes (slightly cool, not completely at room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Remove Ingredients: Take the milk and butter out of the refrigerator. Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized cubes and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray. In the work bowl of a stand mixer, add 3 ½ cups of flour. Add the sugar and salt to one side of the bowl and whisk or mix with the dough hook to combine.
3. Activate Yeast: If using instant yeast, add it on the other side of the bowl away from the salt and stir to combine. If using active dry yeast, sprinkle it over room temperature water in a liquid measuring cup and let it proof for 3 to 5 minutes until foamy.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the water and milk over the flour mixture. Mix the dough on medium-high speed until smooth and no longer sticky, about 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust with additional flour or water as needed.

2. Rest the Dough

1. Form and Rest: Remove the dough from the mixer and form it into a smooth ball. Place it in the prepared mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for at least 30 minutes.

3. Prepare the Butter Square

1. Make Butter Mixture: Wipe out the mixer bowl and attach the paddle attachment. Beat the cubed butter with 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth and creamy.
2. Shape and Chill: Scrape the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap, shaping it into a 6-inch by 6-inch square approximately 1 inch thick. Wrap and refrigerate while the dough proofs.

4. Laminate the Dough

1. Roll the Dough: Once the dough has rested, pour it onto a floured surface and roll it into a 10-inch by 10-inch square.
2. Add the Butter: Remove the chilled butter and place it diagonally in the center of the dough. Fold the dough corners over the butter, pinching the seams to seal.
3. Chill: Place the dough packet on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 60 minutes.
4. Roll and Fold: Roll the chilled dough into a 16-inch by 8-inch rectangle. Fold each side into the center like a letter and refrigerate again for 60 minutes. Repeat this rolling, folding, and chilling process two more times, for a total of three turns. After the final turn, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5. Shape the Croissants

1. Prepare the Dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and cut it in half. Roll each half into a 13-inch by 10-inch rectangle. Trim the edges.
2. Cut and Shape: Cut the dough into 4-inch by 9-inch triangles. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point.
3. Freeze Option: At this point, you can freeze the croissants if desired.

6. Proof and Bake

1. Final Proof: Place the shaped croissants on prepared baking sheets. Cover with a proofing bag or plastic wrap and let them proof in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
2. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (350°F for convection). Brush each croissant with beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until golden brown.
3. Cool: Transfer the croissants to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes (including resting and chilling time)
• Calories: 330 kcal per croissant
• Servings: 12 croissants

Enjoy your freshly baked croissants with a cup of coffee or tea. These pastries are sure to bring a touch of elegance and delight to any occasion. Happy baking!

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