๐ฅ Classic Homemade Croissant Recipe | Buttery, Flaky & Bakery-Style
Learn how to make authentic French croissants at home with this step-by-step recipe. Buttery, flaky, and golden – these homemade croissants are worth every minute of effort!
๐ Why You’ll Love This Homemade Croissant Recipe
- Bakery-quality results at home
- Crispy, golden exterior with soft, airy layers inside
- Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a weekend baking project
- Detailed step-by-step guidance for beginners
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for make-ahead baking
๐ Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 2¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups (300ml) cold milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Butter Block:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
⏱ Time Breakdown
Step | Time |
---|---|
Mixing the dough | 15 mins |
Chilling | 1–2 hours |
Lamination (3 folds) | 2–3 hours |
Final proof | 1.5–2 hours |
Baking | 20–25 mins |
๐ฅ How to Make Croissants (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add cold milk and softened butter. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead briefly, shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Butter Block:
- Place cold butter between parchment paper.
- Pound and shape into a 5x5 inch (13x13cm) square.
- Chill until firm but pliable.
3. Laminate the Dough:
- Roll the dough into a 10x10 inch (25x25cm) square.
- Place the butter in the center like a diamond and fold corners over it like an envelope.
- Roll out and do a letter fold (fold in thirds).
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Repeat two more folds, chilling between each.
4. Shape the Croissants:
- Roll dough into a 10x20 inch (25x50cm) rectangle.
- Cut into triangles (about 5 inches wide).
- Make a small slit at the base and roll tightly toward the tip.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
5. Proof & Bake:
- Cover and let rise at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours, until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
๐ฝ Serving Ideas
- Enjoy warm with butter or jam
- Fill with chocolate, ham & cheese, or almond paste before rolling
- Use for croissant sandwiches, French toast, or bread pudding
๐ง Storage & Freezing
- Best eaten fresh the same day
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Freeze unbaked croissants after shaping; thaw overnight, proof, and bake fresh
๐ง Tips for Perfect Croissants
- Keep everything cold – especially the butter!
- Don’t rush the chilling steps – they prevent butter from melting into the dough
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean triangle cuts
- For a glossy finish, don’t skip the egg wash
๐ Variations
- Pain au Chocolat: Roll chocolate batons into rectangular dough pieces
- Almond Croissants: Fill with almond cream and top with flaked almonds
- Savory Croissants: Add cheese, herbs, or cooked bacon inside
๐ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make croissants?
About 6–8 hours total, including resting and chilling time.
Can I make croissants without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can knead the dough by hand — just mix until smooth and elastic.
Why are my croissants not flaky?
The butter may have melted during folding. Always chill between folds and work quickly.
⭐ Reader Review
๐ฌ “This recipe is spot on! My croissants came out beautifully golden, flaky, and so delicious. It’s a weekend project worth doing!” – @bakinginparis
๐ Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of homemade croissants is a baking milestone — and this recipe makes it totally achievable. With layers of buttery dough and a golden, flaky crust, these croissants are the real deal. Serve them warm for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch!
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