Easy Croissants Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
• 2/3 cup milk, cold
• 1 egg for egg wash

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
2. Incorporate the Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Add the butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the cold milk, mixing until a dough begins to form. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it briefly, just until it comes together and is smooth.
5. First Fold: Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape. Fold it into thirds as you would a letter.
6. Repeat the Process: Roll out the dough again into a rectangle and fold into thirds. Repeat this process two more times to create layers.
7. Chill the Dough: Wrap the folded dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the layers to develop.
8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
9. Shape the Croissants: Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Cut it into triangles of your desired size.
10. Form the Croissants: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly to form croissants. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the croissants to give them a golden finish when baked.
12. Bake: Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
13. Enjoy: Allow the croissants to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked, buttery croissants!

Additional Information:

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling time)

Calories: Varies based on serving size

Servings: Makes 12 croissants