Description
Learn how to make flaky, buttery croissants from scratch with this step-by-step guide. This recipe covers everything from perfecting the dough and laminating butter to shaping and baking. Plus, get solutions to common baking mistakes to achieve bakery-quality croissants every time!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Butter Layer (Lamination):
- 1 1/4 cups (280g) cold European-style butter (82% fat or higher)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk and water, then mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Laminate with Butter
- Flatten cold butter into a 6×6-inch (15x15cm) square using parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough into a 10×14-inch (25x35cm) rectangle.
- Place the butter in the center and fold the dough over it like an envelope.
- Roll out gently, fold into thirds, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Repeat this rolling and folding three more times, chilling between turns.
Step 3: Shape & Proof the Croissants
- Roll out the laminated dough into a 10×20-inch (25x50cm) sheet.
- Cut into triangles (about 4 inches wide at the base).
- Roll each triangle tightly from base to tip to form croissants.
- Place on a baking sheet, cover lightly, and proof at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush proofed croissants with an egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let croissants cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or coffee!
Notes
- For extra flakiness, use European-style butter with at least 82% fat.
- Proofing is crucial! Underproofed croissants won’t rise properly.
- Make ahead: Freeze shaped, unbaked croissants and bake from frozen.
- Prep Time: 5 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Pastry
- Method: Baking, Laminating
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant (approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Butter croissants, homemade croissants, flaky croissants, French pastries, laminated dough, bakery croissants