Go Back Email Link

Light and Flaky Croissants

These take a little bit of effort, but are so worth it!
Light and Flaky Croissants
Yield 40 croissants

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 (0.25oz each) packages (14g) or 4 1/2 Red Star Active Dry Yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 4 2/3 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 cups butter (cold)
  • 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan heat milk to 110°-115°F. Pour into a large bowl, stir in the yeast. Add sugar, salt, eggs. Beat with a wire whisk or wooden spoon until smooth.
  • Stir in 2 cups of bread flour, beat well. Stir in 2 more cups of bread flour. Beat until well combined.
  • Gradually mix the last 2/3 cup of bread flour in with your hands, pressing flour into dough and turning dough over, until the flour is all worked in. Place dough on a floured surface. Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick, always keeping both sides well floured.
  • Slice butter into 1/4-inch thick slices, place on center third of dough. Fold left hand side over center third, then right hand side over both. Pinch seams to seal.
  • Roll again to a rectangle 1/4-inch thick. If butter comes through just spread back in and dust with flour. Repeat the rolling and folding two more times. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.
  • With a floured rolling pin roll the dough into a rectangle 1/4-inch thick. Cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise in half, making four rectangles. Work with each piece separately. Roll out to no less than 1/8-inch thick.
  • Cut into wedges with wide sides about 3-inch. Roll up each wedge loosely, starting from the wide end. Place point down on greased baking sheets. Lightly curve each roll into a crescent shape. Cover and let rise until indentation remains after lightly touching.
  • Beat egg and brush on top of croissants.
  • Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until a beautiful golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Notes

Photo by Sweet Phi.