Introduction

Few things in the culinary world compare to the flaky, buttery perfection of a freshly baked croissant. However, achieving that delicate balance of crispy exterior and soft, airy interior at home can seem like a daunting task. Fear not, aspiring bakers, for I’m here to guide you through the process of creating super soft croissants right in your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your baking game and impress your taste buds with this homemade croissant recipe.

video instructions available below 👇 

Ingredients

– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1 1/4 cups warm milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Scatter the chilled butter cubes over two-thirds of the dough, leaving one-third of the dough bare.
7. Fold the bare third of the dough over the butter-covered third, then fold the remaining third over the top, like folding a letter.
8. Turn the dough 90 degrees and roll it out into another large rectangle. Fold it into thirds again.
9. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, for a total of three sets of “turns.” This creates the flaky layers in the croissants.
10. After the final set of turns, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
11. Once chilled, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
12. Cut the dough into triangles, then roll each triangle up tightly, starting from the wide end, to form croissants.
13. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
14. Cover the croissants with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until puffed and doubled in size.
15. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the risen croissants with the beaten egg wash.
16. Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
17. Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Success

– Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture in your croissants.
– Be patient with the rolling and folding process, as this is what creates the flaky layers.
– For extra softness, you can brush the baked croissants with melted butter once they come out of the oven.
– Enjoy your croissants warm from the oven, with a spread of butter or your favorite jam.

Conclusion

With a little time, patience, and love, you can recreate the magic of a Parisian bakery right in your own kitchen with these super soft croissants. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat any time of day, these homemade delights are sure to impress. So don your apron, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to savor the buttery goodness of freshly baked croissants like never before.