croissant bread is a luscious loaf that bakes up into golden, flaky ribbons, reminding you of your favorite morning pastry in a single slice. Imagine the gentle hum of butter melting between supple layers of dough as it rises, filling the kitchen with sweet warmth. This delightful recipe transforms simple pantry staples—flour, fresh yeast, creamy milk, and a touch of honey—into an irresistibly tender crumb. Each bite offers a tender pull, unveiling secret pockets of buttery joy. Ideal for lazy brunches or cozy dinners, it pairs perfectly with jam, nut butter, or a steaming cup of coffee, turning every moment into a joyous celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This croissant bread
- Flaky layers that melt in your mouth.
- Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
- Customizable with sweet or savory fillings.
- Impressive yet surprisingly easy to make.
- Great for sharing with family and friends.
croissant bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 eggs; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Shape it into a ball, wrap it, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle. Place cold butter between parchment paper and pound it into a thin layer about half the dough’s size. Center the butter on the dough.
- Fold the dough over the butter like a letter. Rotate it 90° and roll out again. Repeat folding and rolling 3 times, chilling for 30 minutes between turns.
- After the final fold, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Cut it into 8 triangles.
- Roll each triangle from base to tip, forming a crescent. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Beat the remaining egg and brush it over each croissant.
- Cover and proof at room temperature for 1–2 hours until nearly doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croissants for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious croissant bread!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 25g |
Ingredients
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to create fluffy and delicious croissant bread!
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour – the base of your dough
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast – helps the dough rise
- 1 tsp salt – enhances flavor
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk – activates the yeast
- 2 large eggs – adds richness
- 1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter – essential for flakiness
- 1 egg – for egg wash
How to Make Croissant Bread
Making croissant bread is a delightful journey that requires some time and patience. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 18-20 minutes. Don’t forget the resting time of about 2 hours for proofing and chilling in between steps!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 eggs; mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Shape it into a ball, wrap it, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter
Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle. Place cold butter between parchment paper and pound it into a thin layer about half the dough’s size. Center the butter on the dough.
Step 5: Fold the Dough
Fold the dough over the butter like a letter. Rotate it 90° and roll out again. Repeat folding and rolling 3 times, chilling for 30 minutes between turns.
Step 6: Shape the Croissants
After the final fold, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Cut it into 8 triangles.
Step 7: Roll the Croissants
Roll each triangle from base to tip, forming a crescent. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Step 8: Brush with Egg
Beat the remaining egg and brush it over each croissant.
Step 9: Proof the Croissants
Cover and proof at room temperature for 1–2 hours until nearly doubled.
Step 10: Bake the Croissants
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croissants for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious croissant bread!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Breakfast |
| Cuisine | French |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 120 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 170 minutes |
| Dietary | Contains dairy and eggs |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm and flaky |
Pro Tips for Making Croissant Bread
- Keep your butter cold for flaky layers.
- Rest the dough in the fridge to enhance flavor.
- Use parchment paper for easy baking and cleanup.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
How to Serve this croissant bread
- Enjoy warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast.
- Spread with your favorite jam or preserves for a sweet treat.
- Serve alongside a creamy soup for a comforting lunch.
- Top with avocado and a sprinkle of salt for a savory twist.
- Use as a base for a delicious sandwich with turkey and cheese.
- Dip in a rich chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your croissant bread later is easy with these tips:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow croissant bread to cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap each croissant bread individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped croissants in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For best quality, avoid refreezing once thawed.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove wrapping and place croissant bread on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- For microwave reheating, use a low power setting for 15-20 seconds.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What kind of bread is croissant?
Croissant bread is a type of pastry that is known for its flaky, buttery layers. It is made from a laminated dough, which involves folding butter into the dough multiple times to create thin layers. This process gives croissants their signature texture and rich flavor, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or as a snack.
2. Is croissant a healthy bread?
While croissants are delicious, they are not typically considered a health food. They are high in butter and calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. However, enjoying a croissant as an occasional treat can be part of a balanced diet. You can also try making a lighter version at home using whole grain flour and less butter for a healthier twist.
3. Does Costco sell croissant bread?
Yes, Costco often sells croissants in their bakery section. You can find them in various quantities, and they are usually quite popular due to their fresh taste and affordability. Be sure to check your local Costco for availability, as offerings may vary by location.
4. Is a brioche the same as a croissant?
Brioche and croissant are not the same, although they share some similarities. Brioche is a soft, sweet bread made with eggs and butter, giving it a rich flavor and tender crumb. In contrast, croissants are flaky and layered due to the lamination process. Both are delicious in their own right, but they have distinct textures and uses in baking.
Final Thoughts
Making croissant bread is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with warmth and buttery aromas! Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process and savoring each flaky bite. So roll up your sleeves, have fun, and treat yourself to this delicious creation. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is—happy baking!