Classic French Croissants: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Croissants are the epitome of French pastry — buttery, flaky, and golden. While they take time and patience, making them at home is incredibly rewarding. Follow this step-by-step guide to create authentic bakery-style croissants.

Ingredients (makes about 12 croissants)

4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (100 g) sugar

1 tbsp (10 g) salt

1 tbsp (10 g) instant yeast

1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm milk

2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 cups (340 g) cold unsalted butter (for laminating)

1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk and melted butter. Knead until smooth, about 5–7 minutes. Cover and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Butter Block
Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound and roll it into a flat rectangle about 6 x 8 inches (15 x 20 cm). Keep chilled.

3. Laminate the Dough
Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Place the butter block in the center and fold the dough over it like an envelope. Roll gently, then fold into thirds (like a letter). Chill for 30 minutes.

4. Repeat the Folds
Repeat rolling and folding (three turns total), chilling between each fold. This process creates the buttery layers that make croissants flaky.

5. Shape the Croissants
Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). Cut into long triangles. Starting from the base, roll each triangle tightly into a crescent shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Proof
Cover loosely and let rise for 1–2 hours at room temperature until puffy.

7. Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush croissants with beaten egg. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and flaky.

Tips for Success

Keep the butter cold at all times for defined layers.

Don’t rush the chilling stages — they’re key to flakiness.

Enjoy croissants warm from the oven with butter, jam, or even ham and cheese.

✨ With patience and practice, you’ll master croissants at home, achieving that perfect crisp crust and tender, buttery interior worthy of a Parisian bakery.