Super soft croissants are the epitome of indulgence, offering a buttery, airy, and flaky texture that melts in your mouth. These homemade croissants are made using a carefully layered dough, ensuring the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and softness within. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or filled with delicious ingredients, these croissants will take your baking skills to the next level. Follow this detailed recipe to create bakery-style croissants at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (for laminating)
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast – In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar, then add the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
- Prepare the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms. Add the softened butter and continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1–2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Butter Block – Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a 6-inch square. Refrigerate until firm.
- Laminating the Dough – Roll out the risen dough into a 12-inch square. Place the butter block in the center and fold the dough over it, sealing the edges. Roll it into a rectangle, then fold it into thirds (like a letter). Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process three times to create flaky layers.
- Shaping the Croissants – Roll out the laminated dough into a large, thin rectangle. Cut it into long triangles, then roll each triangle from the base to the tip, forming a classic croissant shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Proofing the Croissants – Cover the croissants loosely with a cloth and let them rise for 2 hours at room temperature. They should puff up significantly.
- Apply the Egg Wash – Mix egg yolk with water and brush it over the croissants for a golden, shiny finish.
- Baking – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the croissants for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cooling and Serving – Let the croissants cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, plain, or with jam, chocolate, or cheese.
These super soft croissants boast an irresistible flakiness and a buttery aroma that makes them a perfect breakfast or snack. Enjoy the satisfaction of making these classic pastries from scratch!