Easy 7-Step Croissants Recipe: Buttery & Flaky Perfection

3. Prepare the Butter Block

• Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper.
• Use a rolling pin to flatten it into an 8×8-inch square.
• Chill until firm.

4. Laminate the Dough

• Roll out the dough into a 12×12-inch square.
• Place the butter block in the center.
• Fold the dough over the butter like an envelope.
• Roll out into a rectangle and perform a letter fold.
• Chill for 30 minutes.
• Repeat the rolling and folding process twice more, chilling in between.

5. Shape the Croissants

• Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
• Cut into long triangles.
• Roll each triangle from base to tip to form a croissant.

6. Proof

• Place croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until puffy.

7. Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Mix egg and milk for the egg wash.
• Brush each croissant with egg wash.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Croissants (Pain au Chocolat): Place a few chocolate chips before rolling.
• Almond Croissants: Fill with almond paste and top with sliced almonds.
• Savory Croissants: Add ham and cheese before rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze croissant dough?
A: Yes! After shaping the croissants, freeze them. When ready to bake, thaw and proof before baking.

Q: Why didn’t my croissants rise?
A: The yeast might have been inactive, or the proofing area was too cold.

Q: How do I keep croissants fresh?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze baked croissants for longer storage.

Notes

• Ensure the butter stays cold during laminating to achieve flaky layers.
• Don’t skip the chilling steps—it’s key for perfect croissants.
• For extra shine, double brush with egg wash before baking.

Nutritional Info (Per Croissant)

• Calories: 275
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Sugar: 4g

Conclusion

With patience and these easy-to-follow steps, you can bake buttery, flaky croissants that taste straight out of a Parisian bakery. Whether you enjoy them plain, filled with chocolate, or as part of a savory breakfast sandwich, these homemade croissants will become a family favorite. Bon appétit!