There’s nothing quite like the light, flaky layers of a freshly baked croissant. While they may seem intimidating to make, this detailed step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating authentic, bakery-style croissants right in your own kitchen!
With patience and the right technique, you’ll master the buttery, golden, crisp perfection of homemade croissants. Let’s get started!
🥐 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Authentic French-style croissants – Just like a Parisian bakery!
✔ Flaky, buttery, and crisp – Perfect layers with every bite.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the dough in advance.
✔ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks – Pairs wonderfully with coffee.
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
🥖 For the Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened
🧈 For the Butter Layer:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold
- 2 tbsp (30g) flour
🥚 For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
🌟 Optional Fillings:
🍫 Chocolate bars – For pain au chocolat
🧀 Cheese – For a savory twist
🍯 Almond paste – For almond croissants
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2️⃣ Add warm milk and mix until a rough dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4️⃣ Cover and let it rest for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
🌟 Tip: If kneading by hand, use the stretch-and-fold method for best results!
🔸 Step 2: Prepare the Butter Block
1️⃣ Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper.
2️⃣ Flatten it into a 6x6 inch (15x15 cm) square using a rolling pin.
3️⃣ Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm but pliable.
🌟 Tip: Butter should be cold but flexible for easy layering!
🔸 Step 3: Laminate the Dough (Creating Flaky Layers!)
1️⃣ Roll the dough into a 10x10 inch (25x25 cm) square.
2️⃣ Place the butter block in the center and fold the edges over it like an envelope.
3️⃣ Roll the dough into a long rectangle (about 20 inches long).
4️⃣ Fold it into thirds (like folding a letter).
5️⃣ Repeat this rolling and folding process 3 times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each turn.
🌟 Tip: Keeping the dough cold is key to flaky layers—don’t rush!
🔸 Step 4: Shape the Croissants
1️⃣ Roll out the laminated dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
2️⃣ Cut long triangles (base about 3 inches wide).
3️⃣ Gently stretch each triangle and roll tightly from the base to the tip.
4️⃣ Place on a lined baking tray, tip-side down.
🌟 Tip: For chocolate croissants, place a chocolate bar at the base before rolling.
🔸 Step 5: Proof & Bake
1️⃣ Cover croissants and let them rise for 2 hours at room temperature.
2️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3️⃣ Brush with egg wash (beaten egg + milk).
4️⃣ Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
🌟 Tip: Let croissants cool for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Croissants
✅ Use high-quality butter – The better the butter, the richer the flavor.
✅ Keep the dough cold – Prevents butter from melting into the dough.
✅ Roll gently – Don’t press too hard, or you’ll ruin the layers.
✅ Let them proof properly – Rushing the rise time will make them dense.
✅ Experiment with flavors – Add fillings like cheese, jam, or Nutella!
🍽️ Best Ways to Enjoy Croissants
☕ With Coffee or Tea – A classic breakfast pairing.
🍓 With Jam & Butter – A simple yet delicious treat.
🥓 With Eggs & Bacon – A savory brunch option.
🍫 Dipped in Hot Chocolate – A Parisian-style indulgence!
💡 Final Thoughts
Making croissants at home requires patience, but the result is SO worth it! Once you taste the buttery, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll never go back to store-bought ones.
