These easy croissants are perfect for breakfast or a treat with your coffee. With a light, flaky texture and just the right amount of sweetness, they are a great homemade pastry to enjoy any time of the day. Here’s how to make them from scratch with simple ingredients!
Ingredients
- 600g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 100g sugar
- 1 packet dry yeast (about 7g)
- 200g cold butter, cubed
- 240ml warm water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in the warm water (about 110°F or 45°C). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much—this could make the croissants dense.
- Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Roll Out the Dough and Add Butter
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Place the cubed cold butter in the center of the dough and fold the edges of the dough over the butter to enclose it completely.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough again into a large rectangle. Be gentle to avoid the butter melting out.
- Fold the dough into thirds (like a letter), and then roll it out into a rectangle once more. Repeat this folding and rolling process 2-3 more times to create the flaky layers.
- After the final fold, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up the butter.
3. Shape the Croissants
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into triangles (about 6-8 per sheet, depending on how big you want your croissants).
- Starting from the wide edge, roll each triangle up tightly to form the croissant shape. Bend the ends slightly to create a crescent shape.
4. Proof and Bake
- Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they puff up slightly.
- Before baking, brush the croissants with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and puffed up.
- Tip: Keep an eye on the croissants as they bake—if they start browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these croissants warm, with a pat of butter, jam, or Nutella for an extra indulgent treat.
- They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a classic breakfast or brunch.
Tips for Success
- Cold Butter: The key to flaky croissants is using cold butter. Make sure the butter stays cold throughout the process to create those signature layers.
- Don’t Rush the Resting Time: Give the dough enough time to rest and rise properly, as this contributes to the flakiness and texture of the croissants.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Shape and bake the croissants the next morning for a fresh batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make fresh croissants at home.
- Flaky Layers: The folding technique creates a beautifully layered, crispy texture that you’ll love with each bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these croissants are perfect for any time of the day.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Croissants that are golden, buttery, and irresistibly flaky! 🥐✨