If you’re a fan of flaky and buttery pastries, there’s nothing quite like a freshly baked croissant. These classic French pastries are delicious on their own, or you can fill them with chocolate, almonds, or your favorite jam. And while it may seem daunting to make croissants from scratch, with this easy recipe, you’ll be whipping up these delicious treats in no time.
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
- 80g sugar
- 10g instant yeast
- 300ml whole milk
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm to the touch. Stir in the melted butter.
- Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
- After the dough has rested, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter over the top two-thirds of the dough. Fold the bottom third of the dough up, then fold the top third of the dough down to create three layers.
- Rotate the dough 90 degrees and roll it out again into a large rectangle. Fold the bottom third of the dough up and the top third of the dough down to create three more layers.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes each time.
- After the final fold, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the croissant dough into a large rectangle. Cut the dough into triangles and roll each triangle up starting from the wide end.
- Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Brush the croissants with egg wash and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.
Vegetarian/Vegan Substitutions
To make these croissants vegetarian, simply use vegetable-based butter instead of regular butter. For a vegan version of this recipe, use vegetable-based butter and substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk.
Serving Suggestions
Croissants are a versatile pastry that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them warm out of the oven with a pat of butter and your favorite jam for breakfast or brunch. For a savory twist, slice a croissant in half and fill it with ham and cheese for a delicious sandwich. And of course, you can always enjoy a croissant on its own as a sweet treat any time of day.
Conclusion
Making croissants from scratch may seem daunting, but with this easy recipe, you’ll be a croissant pro in no time. These flaky and buttery pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. So why not impress your friends and family with your baking skills and whip up a batch of delicious croissants today?
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make croissants?
To make croissants, you will need flour, sugar, salt, yeast, butter, and milk.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine instead of butter, it is not recommended as it will affect the taste and texture of the croissants.
How long does it take to make croissants?
Making croissants is a time-consuming process that can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours depending on the recipe.
Can I freeze croissant dough?
Yes, you can freeze croissant dough for up to one month. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
How do I shape croissants?
To shape croissants, you will need to roll out the dough into a large triangle and cut it into smaller triangles. Then, roll each triangle up from the wide end to the point, tucking the ends underneath.
Can I add fillings to my croissants?
Yes, you can add fillings to your croissants such as chocolate, cheese, or ham. Simply place the filling on the dough before shaping and rolling it up.
How do I get my croissants to be flaky and crispy?
To get flaky and crispy croissants, it is important to use cold butter and to make sure the dough is properly rested before baking.
Can I make croissants without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make croissants without a stand mixer. While a stand mixer is convenient, you can also knead the dough by hand until it is smooth and elastic.
Can I make croissants ahead of time?
Yes, you can make croissants ahead of time and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
How should I store leftover croissants?
To store leftover croissants, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to one month.
