Butter Croissants

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Butter Croissants for their irresistible flakiness and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The layers of dough create a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, and the rich, buttery flavor is simply unmatched. These croissants are perfect for special occasions like brunches or holidays, but they’re also a wonderful way to elevate any day. Although they take some time and effort, the satisfaction of freshly baked croissants makes it all worthwhile.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for the dough)

• 1/2 cup cold water

For the butter layers:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (for laminating the dough)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)

For the egg wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon water or milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and cold water, and stir to form a dough. Once the dough starts to come together, knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the butter layers:

4. Shape the butter: While the dough chills, place the softened butter between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin to pound and roll the butter into a 7-inch square. Chill the butter in the refrigerator while the dough continues to chill.

Laminate the dough:

5. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has chilled, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×12-inch square.

6. Enclose the butter: Place the chilled butter square in the center of the dough and fold the dough over the butter, sealing the edges. You should have a dough packet with the butter fully enclosed.

7. Roll and fold: Roll the dough packet into a 12×24-inch rectangle. Be gentle to avoid tearing the dough. Once rolled out, fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.

8. Repeat the rolling and folding: Remove the dough from the fridge, roll it out again into a 12×24-inch rectangle, and fold it into thirds. Chill for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process 2-3 times for a total of 3-4 turns. This creates the layers of butter and dough that make croissants flaky.

Shape the croissants:

9. Cut the dough: After the final chill, roll the dough into a 12×24-inch rectangle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into long, triangular shapes (about 6-8 triangles).

10. Shape the croissants: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently roll the dough up towards the tip to form the croissant shape. Make sure the tip is tucked underneath to prevent it from unrolling during baking.

11. Proof the croissants: Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, until they are puffed and have doubled in size.

Bake the croissants:

12. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

13. Egg wash: Brush each croissant with the beaten egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.

14. Bake: Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.

15. Cool and serve: Let the croissants cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 croissants

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling and proofing time)

Variations

• Chocolate croissants: Add a few pieces of dark chocolate to the center of each triangle before rolling them up to make pain au chocolat.

• Almond croissants: Spread a layer of almond paste inside the croissants before rolling them up, then top with sliced almonds after baking.

• Savory croissants: Fill the croissants with ham and cheese before rolling them up for a savory twist on this classic recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the croissants in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make croissants without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can make croissants by hand! While a stand mixer can help speed up the process, kneading the dough by hand is perfectly fine. Just be sure to knead the dough thoroughly for 5-7 minutes to develop the gluten.

Can I freeze croissants before baking?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked croissants. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, place the frozen croissants directly on a baking sheet and let them proof for about 1-2 hours before baking as directed.

Can I make croissants without using yeast?

Traditional croissants rely on yeast for their texture, but you can make a quicker version using baking powder instead. The result will be more biscuit-like rather than flaky, but it will still be a delicious, homemade pastry.

How do I prevent the croissants from unrolling during baking?

Make sure to roll the croissants tightly from the wide end and tuck the tip under the roll. This will help them hold their shape while baking.

Conclusion

Butter Croissants are the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. With their light, flaky texture and rich, buttery flavor, these croissants are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Though they require some time and patience, the process of making them from scratch is incredibly rewarding, and the result is an irresistible pastry that’s worth every minute. Enjoy these croissants fresh out of the oven for a truly indulgent experience!