Super soft croissants

Making super soft croissants at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and a bit of patience, you can achieve that flaky, buttery goodness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bake these delightful pastries in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 and 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold

For the Butter Block:

• 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cold

For Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

Day 1: Prepare the Dough and Butter Block

1. Activate Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Incorporate Butter:
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Place cold butter in the center, fold the dough over it, and seal the edges. Roll out the dough again into a rectangle and fold it into thirds (like a letter). Repeat this process twice.
4. Chill Overnight:
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Day 2: Laminate the Dough

1. Roll and Fold:
   • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle. Fold it into thirds. This completes one turn. Repeat this process twice more, chilling the dough between turns.
2. Chill Again:
   • Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Repeat Laminate:
   • Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough between turns.

Day 3: Shape and Bake the Croissants

1. Roll Out and Cut:
   • Roll out the laminated dough into a large rectangle. Cut it into triangles.
2. Shape Croissants:
   • Roll each triangle into a croissant shape, starting from the wider end. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Proof:
   • Cover the shaped croissants with a kitchen towel and let them proof at room temperature until doubled in size.
4. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Egg Wash:
   • Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the croissants with the egg wash.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Allow the croissants to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the flaky layers and buttery goodness!

These super soft croissants may take a few days to make, but the result is absolutely worth it. Serve them fresh out of the oven for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. Bon appétit!