There’s something magical about pulling a tray of warm, golden croissants from your oven. Their flaky layers and buttery richness make them a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even as an elegant side dish. These homemade croissants are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a bit of patience and a handful of ingredients.
Whether you’re serving them fresh with coffee or pairing them with savory dishes, they’re a treat that’s worth the effort.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Croissants
Homemade croissants are the ultimate combination of flavor and texture. The soft, buttery interior contrasts beautifully with the crisp, golden exterior, creating a perfect bite every time. They’re versatile enough to serve with sweet spreads like jam and honey or alongside savory dishes. Plus, the process of making them—rolling and folding the dough to create those iconic layers—can be a rewarding and meditative experience.
Tips for Perfect Croissants
Creating flaky, bakery-quality croissants at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips:
- Keep the Butter Soft but Cool: Softened butter is easier to spread, but make sure it’s not too warm, as it can melt into the dough and disrupt the layers.
- Chill the Dough Between Folds: Refrigerating the dough between folding sessions helps maintain its structure and prevents sticking.
- Roll Gently: Avoid pressing too hard when rolling the dough to keep the layers intact and ensure a flaky texture.
- Use an Egg Wash: Brushing the croissants with beaten egg gives them a shiny, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
What to Eat with Homemade Croissants
Croissants are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. If you’re serving them for a meal, here are some perfect pairings to complete your menu:
- Crusted Chicken Romano: The crisp, cheesy coating of this chicken dish is a delightful complement to the buttery layers of the croissants.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: The tangy sweetness of the honey mustard sauce adds a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich, flaky croissants.
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken: The savory crunch of fried chicken is elevated when served with a warm croissant on the side.
How to Store and Reheat Croissants
Freshly baked croissants are best enjoyed warm, but they store beautifully for later enjoyment. Place cooled croissants in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for up to one month. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore their crisp, flaky texture.
A Buttery Classic to Savor
Homemade croissants are a labor of love that’s richly rewarded with every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a weekend breakfast, their golden layers and buttery flavor are sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite dishes or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Homemade Croissants
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the dry ingredients, stirring as you go, until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Fold the dough into thirds, like folding a letter, and turn it 90 degrees. Roll it out again into a rectangle. Repeat this folding and rolling process two more times.
- Wrap the folded dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1 hour to allow it to chill and firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle and cut it into triangular shapes. Roll each triangle up from the wide end to the tip, forming crescent-shaped croissants.
- Arrange the croissants on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between them for expansion.
- Brush the tops of the croissants with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Allow the croissants to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, flaky homemade croissants!