Butter croissants are a classic French pastry that are loved all around the world. These flaky, buttery pastries are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and they are surprisingly easy to make at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own delicious butter croissants.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp. active dry yeast
First, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and mix until the butter is coated in flour. Then, add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Next, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, mix the warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape.
Spread the yeast mixture over the dough and then fold the dough over itself in thirds. Roll out the dough again and then fold it over itself in thirds again. Repeat this process two more times, rolling out the dough and folding it in thirds each time.
Finally, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut it into triangles. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the narrow end to create the croissant shape. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush the croissants with an egg wash made from one beaten egg and a splash of milk. Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky. Serve warm and enjoy!
