Croissants are a delicious and buttery pastry that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Although they may seem intimidating to make, with this easy recipe you’ll be able to make your own homemade croissants from scratch.
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 10g salt
- 50g sugar
- 25g fresh yeast
- 300ml milk
- 200g unsalted butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar together.
- Mix the yeast and milk in a separate bowl, then add to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, then place the butter in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the butter, then roll out the dough again.
- Fold the dough into thirds, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out again. Fold into thirds, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in the fridge for another 30 minutes.
- Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, then place the dough in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, then cut into triangles.
- Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the tip, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix the egg yolk and milk together, then brush the croissants with the mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Making croissants from scratch is a time-consuming process, but it is definitely worth the effort. The result is a flaky and buttery pastry with layers of deliciousness.
Tips and Variations
- You can add chocolate chips or almond paste to the croissants before rolling them up for a sweet variation.
- For a savory version, you can add ham, cheese, or herbs to the croissants before baking.
- You can freeze the croissants after shaping them and bake them later. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- To get the perfect shape for your croissants, roll out the dough into an isosceles triangle and make a small cut in the center of the base. This will help you roll up the croissant and give it its classic shape.
Conclusion
Homemade croissants are a delicious and impressive pastry that you can easily make at home. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create flaky and buttery croissants that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
FAQ
What is the origin of croissants?
Croissants are a French pastry that originated in Vienna, Austria. The pastry was created to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Turks in 1683.
What are the ingredients needed to make croissants?
The ingredients needed to make croissants include flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs.
How long does it take to make croissants?
It takes approximately 12-15 hours to make croissants from start to finish, due to the long resting times required for the dough.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While it is possible to use margarine instead of butter, it is not recommended as the flavor and texture of the croissants may be affected.
Can I freeze croissant dough?
Yes, you can freeze croissant dough after the first resting period. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to one month.
How do I shape the croissants?
To shape the croissants, roll out the dough into a large triangle, cut it into smaller triangles, and then roll each triangle up tightly from the wide end to the narrow end.
Can I make savory croissants?
Yes, you can make savory croissants by adding ingredients such as cheese, ham, or herbs to the dough before shaping and baking.
How should I store leftover croissants?
To store leftover croissants, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to one month.
How can I reheat croissants?
To reheat croissants, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), wrap the croissants in foil, and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Can croissants be made without yeast?
While it is possible to make croissants without yeast, the result will be a different pastry with a denser texture and less flakiness. It is recommended to use yeast for the best results.
