Quick and Easy Butter Croissants

Golden, flaky, and irresistibly buttery—homemade croissants are the ultimate treat. But making them from scratch usually takes an entire day or more. That’s why this quick and easy butter croissants recipe is a game changer. Using a simplified technique, you’ll achieve authentic, airy layers in a fraction of the time. If you’ve ever wanted to make croissants at home but felt intimidated, this is the perfect recipe to start with.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Time-Saving: Traditional croissants take over 24 hours, but this version delivers bakery-quality results in under 5.
• Beginner-Friendly: No complex folding techniques—just simple layering that anyone can master.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, these croissants cost a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery.

Taste & Texture

• Crisp & Flaky: A golden-brown crust that shatters delicately with each bite.
• Buttery & Light: Each layer is infused with rich, creamy butter.
• Slightly Sweet: A touch of sugar balances the flavors beautifully.

Dietary Attributes

• Vegetarian-Friendly
• Can be made dairy-free with plant-based butter

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
• 160 grams water (160 ml)
• 330 grams all-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups)
• 30 grams granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
• 5 grams salt (1 teaspoon)
• 200 grams unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, divided
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Notes on Quality

For the flakiest croissants, use high-quality European-style butter with at least 82% fat content. This creates the best lamination and enhances the rich flavor.

Possible Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter
• Whole Wheat: Substitute up to half of the flour with whole wheat, though this will make the croissants slightly denser
• Sugar-Free: Swap sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a small cup, dissolve yeast in water. Stir and let sit for 2 minutes until bubbly and aromatic.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides.
3. Add 20 grams of butter and knead briefly until incorporated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.

Laminate the Dough

1. Place the risen dough on a lightly floured surface and press gently to remove air. Roll into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
2. Roll one piece into a 6 x 10-inch rectangle. Spread a generous amount of butter evenly over it.
3. Roll out another piece to the same size and stack it on top. Spread with butter.
4. Repeat with all dough pieces, ending with a layer of dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Shape the Croissants

1. Roll the stacked dough into a 10 x 18-inch rectangle.
2. Cut three even horizontal strips, then cut each in half diagonally to create 8 triangles.
3. Roll each triangle from the base to the tip, forming a crescent shape. Tuck the tip under to prevent unraveling.
4. Place croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Let rise at room temperature for 1.5 hours or in a cooler place for 2-3 hours.

Bake the Croissants

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Brush each croissant with egg wash.
3. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 12 minutes until golden brown.
4. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use Cold Butter: Even though we’re softening butter for layering, keeping it cold between steps helps maintain distinct layers.
• Chill Between Steps: Don’t skip refrigeration; it prevents the butter from melting and leaking out during baking.
• Roll Evenly: Keep the dough an even thickness for uniform croissants.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping Rest Time: Not allowing the dough to chill properly can result in dense croissants.
• Overproofing: If left to rise too long, they may collapse during baking.
• Not Tucking the Tip Under: This can cause croissants to unravel while baking.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate overnight for a stress-free morning bake.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked croissants after shaping, then bake straight from frozen (adding 5 extra minutes to the bake time).

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These croissants are delicious on their own or paired with:

• Fresh fruit and honey for a simple breakfast
• Heart-shaped grilled cheese sandwiches for a fun brunch twist (Get the recipe here)
• A classic French omelette for a full French-inspired breakfast (Try this recipe)

Presentation Ideas

• Serve with jam and butter on a rustic wooden board for a café-style feel
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch
• Drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent treat

Beverage Pairings

• Café au lait or espresso for a Parisian breakfast experience
• Mimosas for a brunch spread
• Chai tea for a warm, spiced contrast to the buttery layers

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for 5 days, but reheat before serving for best texture
• Freezer: Freeze baked croissants for up to 2 months

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes
• Air Fryer: Heat at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes
• Microwave: Use in short 10-second bursts, but this may make them softer rather than crisp

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes! You can substitute instant yeast 1:1, and no need to dissolve it in water first—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

How Do I Make These Even Flakier?

Ensure your butter is cold between layering and chilling times. A final overnight chill before shaping also helps.

What If My Croissants Don’t Rise?

Check that your yeast is active by proofing it in warm water. Also, ensure the rising environment isn’t too cold.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and brush with plant-based milk instead of egg wash
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture will be different

Flavor Twists

• Almond Croissants: Add almond paste inside before rolling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top
• Chocolate Croissants: Place a piece of dark chocolate inside each triangle before rolling
• Savory Croissants: Fill with cheese and herbs for a delicious twist

Conclusion

Making homemade croissants doesn’t have to be intimidating. This quick and easy butter croissants recipe simplifies the process while still delivering rich, flaky layers. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, these croissants will impress every time. Try them out and share your results!

For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out this Classic French Toast recipe. And don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for more mouthwatering inspiration!

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