Croissants are known for being a time-consuming and tricky pastry to master, but this simplified recipe brings you the closest possible taste and texture of the original, without the hassle. If you love the taste of fresh, buttery croissants but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is the recipe for you! With a few simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have homemade croissants that taste just like they came from a bakery.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and impressive results. It’s a perfect way to make croissants at home without the long and complex process. The croissants are flaky, buttery, and golden on the outside, with a soft, airy texture on the inside. You can even customize them by adding chocolate or other fillings, making them a versatile treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Perfect Occasion:
These croissants are ideal for weekend breakfasts, brunch with friends, or even as a special treat during the holidays. They’re also perfect for when you want to impress guests but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With their bakery-quality taste and homemade charm, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household.
Decoration Tips:
For a classic finish, brush the croissants with a mixture of egg yolk, milk, and a bit of oil before baking to achieve a golden, shiny crust. If you want to make them extra special, you can add chocolate inside for a pain au chocolat version or top them with powdered sugar once baked.
Ingredients for the Dough (Makes 1 Tray of Croissants):
- 200 ml warm water
- 1 small glass (100 ml) warm milk
- 1 small glass (100 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups flour (200 ml cups)
For Layering:
- 200 g butter or margarine (melted to a creamy consistency)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast activates and bubbles. - Prepare the Dough:
Once the yeast is activated, add the salt and vegetable oil to the mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a slightly firm dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth, then cover it and let it rise for about 1 hour. - Roll and Layer the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4-5 equal pieces. Roll each piece out as evenly as possible into round sheets. Brush each sheet generously with the melted butter or margarine. Stack the buttered sheets on top of each other, stretching them slightly to fit together, and fold the layered dough according to the method shown (fold in layers with butter between each fold). - Chill the Dough:
After folding, place the dough in a generously floured tray, cover it, and chill it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. - Shape the Croissants:
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out into a square, making sure it’s neither too thick nor too thin. Cut the dough into two even pieces, then cut into triangles. Stretch each triangle slightly and roll it into a croissant shape. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. - Let the Croissants Rise:
Allow the shaped croissants to rise for 1 hour on the tray. - Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, milk, and vegetable oil. If you have an oil sprayer, spray the mixture over the croissants for an even coat. If not, you can gently brush the mixture onto the croissants (be careful not to deflate them). - Bake:
Preheat your oven to 210°C (410°F) with a fan setting. Bake the croissants until they are golden and crispy on top and well-browned underneath, around 20-25 minutes. - Serve:
Let the croissants cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them plain, or with chocolate or jam fillings for an extra treat.
Enjoy your delicious homemade croissants, and feel free to experiment by adding chocolate or other fillings!