Croissant

French Croissants are a classic pastry that requires precision and attention to detail to achieve the perfect flaky, buttery texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to making French Croissants, along with the ingredients you will need.

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups all-purpose flour

2. 1/3 cup granulated sugar

3. 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

4. 1 1/4 cups cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

5. 1 cup cold milk

6. 1 teaspoon salt

7. 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the cold milk while mixing until a rough dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth. Shape the dough into a square, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Block

Place the cold butter cubes between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to flatten the butter into a 1/2-inch thick square. Refrigerate the butter block for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Laminate the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large square. Place the chilled butter block in the center of the dough and fold the edges of the dough over the butter, sealing it completely. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, then fold it into thirds like a letter. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Repeat the Folding Process

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each fold. This creates layers of butter within the dough, resulting in a flaky texture when baked.

Step 5: Shape the Croissants

After the final fold, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to trim the edges and cut the dough into long triangles. Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough up tightly to form a croissant shape.

Step 6: Proof the Croissants

Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Cover the croissants with a clean kitchen towel and let them proof at room temperature for 2-3 hours, until they double in size.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the croissants are proofing.

Step 8: Egg Wash

Once proofed, lightly brush each croissant with beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust when baked.

Step 9: Bake the Croissants

Place the egg-washed croissants in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Allow the croissants to cool slightly before serving. These homemade French Croissants are best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea.

Making French Croissants requires patience and attention to detail, but the delicious results are well worth the effort. Follow these steps and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own flaky, buttery croissants from scratch.