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Butter Croissants Recipe


  • Author: What A Recipes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 croissants 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add warm milk and water, then mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Laminate with Butter

  1. Flatten cold butter into a 6×6-inch (15x15cm) square using parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the chilled dough into a 10×14-inch (25x35cm) rectangle.
  3. Place the butter in the center and fold the dough over it like an envelope.
  4. Roll out gently, fold into thirds, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Repeat this rolling and folding three more times, chilling between turns.

Step 3: Shape & Proof the Croissants

  1. Roll out the laminated dough into a 10×20-inch (25x50cm) sheet.
  2. Cut into triangles (about 4 inches wide at the base).
  3. Roll each triangle tightly from base to tip to form croissants.
  4. Place on a baking sheet, cover lightly, and proof at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brush proofed croissants with an egg wash for a golden crust.
  3. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

  1. Let croissants cool slightly before serving.
  2. 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