Croissant Recipe

Preparation and Baking Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and milk. Mix until a dough forms.

2. 2

   Knead the Dough

   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

3. 3

   Prepare the Butter Layer

   While the dough is rising, prepare the butter layer. Place the unsalted butter between two sheets of parchment paper and pound it with a rolling pin until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator.

4. 4

   Laminate the Dough

   Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Place the chilled butter in the center and fold the dough over it, sealing the edges. Roll out the dough into a long rectangle and fold it into thirds. Repeat this process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each fold.

5. 5

   Shape the Croissants

   After the final fold, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into triangles. Starting from the wide end, roll up each triangle to shape the croissant. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. 6

   Proof the Croissants

   Cover the shaped croissants with a kitchen towel and let them rise for about 1 hour until puffy.

7. 7

   Bake the Croissants

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Beat the egg and brush it over the croissants. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Let cool slightly before serving.