Flaky, buttery croissants made from scratch. This recipe guides you through the process of laminating dough to achieve perfect layers.
Author:Oliver
Prep Time:2 hours
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 20 minutes plus chilling time
Yield:12 croissants 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:French
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F/40-46°C)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold
Instructions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Stir in sugar and salt. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour to the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×12 inch square.
Cut the cold butter into 1/2-inch thick slices and arrange them in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Fold the edges of the dough over the butter, sealing it completely.
Roll the dough into a 16×8 inch rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. This is your first ‘turn’.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Repeat the rolling, folding, and chilling process two more times (for a total of three turns).
After the final chill, roll the dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
Cut the dough into triangles.
Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly into a crescent shape.
Place croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until puffy.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush croissants with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water).
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Ensure your butter is very cold for proper lamination.
Do not overwork the dough during folding to maintain layers.
Adjust baking time based on your oven.
Croissants are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked.