Buttery Croissant Recipes At Home

Name: Buttery Croissant Recipes At Home
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 5 h
Yield: 12 croissants
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast; 1 1/4 cups cold milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cold; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk

Highlighted under: Golden Oven Sweets

I absolutely love baking buttery croissants at home, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen routine. The warm, flaky layers filled with rich buttery flavor are truly a comfort food for me. Once you get the hang of the lamination process, it’s surprisingly rewarding to see how your efforts pay off in the form of these delightful treats. Whether slathered in jam or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these croissants are perfect for any time of day or occasion. Let's dive into my favorite recipe and start our baking adventure!

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:22:12.089Z

When I first tried making croissants at home, I was genuinely intimidated by the process. However, as I dove into the world of dough lamination, I discovered how forgiving and achievable it can be. The key is to keep everything cold: the butter, the dough, and your workspace!

I remember the first time my croissants came out perfectly golden and flaky. As soon as I took that first bite, I knew I had unlocked the secret to homemade deliciousness. The smell that fills the kitchen during baking is an unparalleled bonus!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Foolproof method to achieve flaky, buttery layers
Perfectly customizable with your favorite fillings
Great for breakfast, brunch, or tea time

      

Understanding Lamination

Lamination is the technique that creates the signature flaky layers in croissants. It involves encasing a layer of butter within the dough and repeatedly rolling and folding it. This process traps air and creates steam, which causes the layers to separate and rise during baking. It might seem daunting at first, but practicing the roll and fold will help you master it quickly. Aim to keep your dough and butter at the right temperatures: the butter must be cold, but not too hard to roll. This balance is crucial for achieving that irresistible flaky texture.

When wrapping the dough around the butter, ensure it’s fully sealed; any gaps could lead to butter leaking out during baking, compromising your layers. Use a rolling pin to evenly spread your dough, but be gentle to maintain the integrity of the butter layer inside. If you're having trouble with the dough sticking to your surface, consider using a dusting of flour. But be cautious—too much flour can dry out your dough.

Key Ingredients Explained

The foundation of a great croissant lies in its ingredients. All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe because it strikes a balance between strength and tenderness, allowing the croissant to hold its shape while remaining light. While bread flour might offer more chewiness due to higher protein content, it’s not necessary for croissants. Additionally, using unsalted butter lets you control the flavor of the final product better.

Using fresh and high-quality ingredients significantly affects the flavor and texture of your croissants. I recommend using cold milk to help keep your dough temperature down during mixing. If you're looking for dairy-free options, you can substitute with almond or soy milk, but the butter must remain animal-based to achieve the desired flakiness. Just make sure to ensure the butter remains as cold as possible throughout the process for best results.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the croissant dough ahead of time for convenience. After the first rise, you can wrap it securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 2 days or freeze for up to a month. If you freeze, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out. This flexibility allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade croissants without a last-minute rush.

Once baked, croissants are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to enjoy them crispy again, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Freezing baked croissants is also an option; simply wrap them tightly and they can last for up to three months.

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1 1/4 cups cold milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Butter Layer

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cold

For the Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add cold milk and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and knead for about 5 minutes.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.

Prepare the Butter Layer

Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and pound it into an 8x8 inch square. Chill again.

Lamination

Roll the dough into a 16x8 inch rectangle and place the butter layer in the center. Fold the dough over to seal the butter. Roll it out to a rectangle and fold into thirds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Shape the Croissants

Roll out the dough again and cut into triangles. Roll each triangle starting from the base to the tip, and place on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk the egg and milk together for the egg wash, and brush it over the croissants. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy Your Croissants!

Pro Tips

Always keep your ingredients cold, as this helps create the flaky texture. If the butter starts to melt, refrigerate the dough again before continuing.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery croissants can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. For a classic breakfast, serve them warm with a pat of butter and a side of jam. You might also consider pairing them with a sweet coffee drink or strong tea for a lovely afternoon tea time treat. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate their visual appeal when serving.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try filling your croissants with savory ingredients like ham and cheese before rolling them up. This will add a delicious twist and can make for a hearty breakfast or brunch. For sweet options, chocolate chips or almond paste work beautifully and will tantalize your taste buds.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your croissants do not rise as expected, there might be a few reasons. Firstly, ensure your yeast is active; test it by adding it to warm water with a bit of sugar to see if it bubbles after a few minutes. Insufficient folding during the lamination stage can also impact the rise, as proper layering creates the necessary air pockets.

Another common issue is butter leaking during baking, which results in greasy croissants. To prevent this, ensure that the butter is properly sealed within the dough and that the dough is chilled before each fold. Keeping everything cold will help maintain the butter’s integrity, leading to the desired flakiness and layers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, but for the best results, use all-purpose flour for its balance of protein and gluten.

→ How can I store leftover croissants?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make these croissants vegan?

You can substitute dairy butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk for the dough.

→ What fillings can I use?

Feel free to add chocolate, almond paste, or jam before rolling them up for a twist!