Easy Croissants Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Resting and Chilling Time: 8 hours or overnight

Baking Time: 15-20 minutes

Yield: 12 croissants

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold

For Rolling and Folding:

• Additional flour for dusting
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold

For Finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface, then shape it into a rectangle. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Layer

1. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it into a rectangle about half the size of your dough.
2. Place the butter layer in the refrigerator to chill while the dough is resting.

Step 3: Laminate the Dough

1. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a larger rectangle.
2. Place the cold butter layer on half of the dough and fold the other half over the butter, sealing the edges.
3. Roll out the dough again into a rectangle and fold it into thirds like a letter. This completes one fold.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this process for a total of three to four folds, chilling the dough between each fold.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the laminated dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Cut the dough into triangles and roll each triangle into a croissant shape.
4. Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the croissants with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown and flaky.
7. Allow the croissants to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Croissants!

Serve your freshly baked croissants warm with your favorite jam or enjoy them plain with a cup of coffee. The process takes time, but the buttery, flaky results are well worth it.