Homemade flaky croissants are a delightful treat that can elevate any breakfast or brunch. There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked croissants wafting through your kitchen. With their golden-brown exterior and soft, buttery layers inside, these croissants are perfect for enjoying with coffee or jam. Although making croissants may seem a little daunting, the process is truly rewarding. You will experience the joy of crafting something homemade and delicious.

This recipe breaks the steps down into easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced cook, you’ll find satisfaction in creating these flaky pastries. Plus, the ingredients are simple and often found in your pantry. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your friends and family with these amazing croissants!

Why Make This Recipe

Making homemade flaky croissants is worth the effort. They are fresh, tasty, and customizable. Instead of buying store-bought versions, you can create them with love and have total control over the ingredients. The satisfaction you get from mastering a classic bakery staple is incredibly fulfilling. Plus, these croissants make for an impressive brunch dish that can wow your guests. Enjoying warm, flaky croissants straight from the oven is an experience you won’t want to miss!

How to Make Homemade Flaky Croissants

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast (active dry yeast also works)
• ½ cup water, room temperature
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup whole milk (2% milk works too)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing the croissants)
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes (slightly cool, not completely at room temp)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Read the Recipe: Before you begin, read the entire recipe. It has many steps and helpful tips.

2. Prepare the Croissant Dough: Mix the yeast with water in a bowl. Take another bowl and mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in milk and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Knead and Rise: Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

4. Butter Square: While the dough rises, take the butter and mix it with the flour. Shape it into a square and refrigerate.

5. Laminate the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out and place the chilled butter square in the center. Fold the dough around it and roll out. Perform a series of folds to create layers.

6. Chill and Roll: After several folds, chill the dough in the refrigerator. Then, roll it out and cut it into triangles to form croissants.

7. Shape and Rise: Roll each triangle tightly from the base to the tip. Place them on a baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the croissants with beaten egg and bake until golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve Homemade Flaky Croissants

Serve your homemade flaky croissants warm from the oven. They pair well with butter, jam, or chocolate spread. For a more decadent treat, you can add whipped cream or enjoy them with a side of fresh fruit.

How to Store Homemade Flaky Croissants

If you have leftover croissants, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each croissant in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their flakiness.

Tips to Make Homemade Flaky Croissants

• Use cold butter to get the right consistency for the layers.
• Be patient during the rising times; it’s key for texture.
• Don’t rush the rolling and folding process; this creates flaky layers.
• Keep your work surface dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
• Use a sharp knife for cutting the dough to ensure clean edges.

Variation

You can add ingredients like chocolate, almond paste, or cheese to the filling for unique flavors. Experimenting with savory fillings can also create delicious results!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?
   Yes, active dry yeast works. Just activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make the dough a day before and refrigerate it. Just allow it to warm up before rolling.

3. What can I do if my croissants didn’t rise?
   Ensure your yeast is fresh and your environment is warm enough for the dough to rise.

4. How do I know when my croissants are done baking?
   They should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped.

5. Can I freeze baked croissants?
   Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Just reheat them in the oven when ready to eat.

Homemade Flaky Croissants

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Delightful homemade flaky croissants that are perfect for breakfast or brunch, featuring a golden-brown exterior and buttery layers.

• Author: Patricia
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 110 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ½ cup water, room temperature
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Read the entire recipe before starting.
2. Mix yeast with water in a bowl. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in milk and the yeast mixture until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth, then let it rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Mix butter with the flour to form a square and refrigerate.
5. Roll out the risen dough and place the chilled butter square in the center. Fold the dough around it and roll out to create layers.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator, then roll out and cut into triangles.
7. Roll each triangle tightly from the base to the tip, place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise again.
8. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), brush croissants with beaten egg, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

For best results, use cold butter and ensure a warm environment for rising. Experiment with fillings like chocolate or cheese for unique flavors.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 croissant
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg