Croissant Recipe

Croissant Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful aroma and buttery flakiness of homemade croissants with our comprehensive recipe. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to creating these delectable pastries in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Proofing the Yeast

   In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

2. Making the Dough

   Add 2 cups of the flour and the salt to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Adding the Butter

   Roll out the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Scatter the cold butter cubes evenly over the dough and fold it over itself in thirds, like a letter.

4. Laminating the Dough

   Turn the dough 90 degrees, roll out again, and fold in thirds. Repeat this lamination process 5-6 times, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes between each fold.

5. Shaping and Baking

   Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and roll them out into triangles. Roll up the triangles from the wide end to the point and place them on a baking sheet.

   Brush with the egg yolk mixture and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.