Introduction
Learn how to make delicious homemade croissants with this simple and easy-to-follow recipe. Impress your family and friends with these flaky, buttery pastries that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Why Make This Recipe
Making croissants from scratch allows you to customize the fillings and create a batch of freshly baked pastries that are much more flavorful and satisfying than store-bought options. Plus, the process is fun and rewarding!
How to Make Croissants
Ingredients:
- 5 large cups white flour
- 2 large cups warm water
- 1/2 large cup oil
- 1/4 large cup powdered milk
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons yeast
- A pinch of salt
- Butter per person
- 1 large egg
- A pinch of vanilla
Directions:
- Mix 2 large cups of flour with yeast, sugar, salt, and milk powder in a bowl.
- Gradually add water to the flour mixture and mix until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it ferment for about 10 minutes.
- Add oil and the remaining flour to the dough, kneading until soft and cohesive.
- Divide the dough into balls and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Roll out each ball thinly on a floured surface, brushing with butter.
- Layer rolled dough balls, spreading butter between each layer.
- Roll out all layers again, cut into triangles.
- Apply your desired filling, then roll each triangle into a croissant shape.
- Place croissants on a buttered oven tray.
- Beat egg with vanilla, brush croissants, and let them ferment for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Bake croissants for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
How to Serve Croissants
Enjoy freshly baked croissants warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also pair them with jam, butter, or cheese for a delicious twist.
How to Store Croissants
Store leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To prolong freshness, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Tips to Make Croissants
- Keep the dough and butter cold to achieve a flaky texture.
- Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate, ham, cheese, or almond paste.
- Brush croissants with egg wash for a shiny finish.
Variation
For a savory twist, add cooked bacon and cheese inside the croissants before rolling them up. This variation is perfect for a savory breakfast or brunch option.
FAQs
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast but reduce the amount by 25%.
- How can I make chocolate-filled croissants? Simply place a piece of chocolate in the center of each triangle before rolling.
- Can I freeze unbaked croissants? Yes, you can freeze unbaked croissants on a tray, then transfer to a bag once frozen for later baking.
