Classic Homemade Butter Croissants 🥐
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked butter croissants filling the kitchen. With their flaky golden layers and soft buttery center, these homemade croissants are a true bakery-style treat. While they take a little patience, the result is absolutely worth every step.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Butter Layers:
- 1¼ cups (280g) cold unsalted butter
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Method
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until combined. Add the warm milk and softened butter, then mix until the dough starts coming together. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and stretchy. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to chill.
2. Create the Butter Layer
Take the cold butter and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Flatten and shape it into a square, keeping the thickness even. This butter block will help create the flaky layers.
3. Fold and Layer the Dough
Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle large enough to wrap around the butter block. Place the butter in the center and fold the dough over it, sealing the edges completely. Roll it into a long rectangle, then fold it into thirds like a letter. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process three times to build those beautiful layers.
4. Shape the Croissants
Roll the finished dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Slice into long triangle shapes. Starting from the wider end, roll each triangle tightly toward the pointed tip. Gently curve the ends inward to form the traditional croissant shape. Arrange them on a lined baking tray.
5. Proof the Dough
Cover the croissants loosely with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 1½ to 2 hours, or until they look light and puffy.
6. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Beat the egg with the milk and brush the tops of the croissants for a shiny golden finish. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until beautifully golden, crisp, and flaky.
Let them cool slightly before serving and enjoy warm with butter, jam, or your favorite coffee.
✨ Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with rich buttery layers—these croissants are a homemade delight worth mastering.