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Classic French Croissants

Perfect Classic French Croissants Recipe at Home finished dish

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Classic French croissants are a delightful pastry known for their flaky, buttery layers. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these croissants are made from a rich dough that is laminated with cold butter, creating a light and airy texture. With a golden-brown exterior and a soft, tender interior, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, perhaps with a spread of jam or simply on their own.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold
  • 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm milk
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  2. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound and roll the butter into a 7-inch square. Refrigerate until firm.
  3. Roll the chilled dough into a 10-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Place the butter block in the center of the dough at a 45-degree angle. Fold the corners of the dough over the butter to enclose it completely. Roll the dough into a 20-inch rectangle. Fold it into thirds like a letter and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes each time.
  4. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles with a base of about 4 inches. Roll each triangle from the base to the tip to form a crescent shape. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the croissants with the egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. Let the croissants cool on a wire rack before serving.

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