Homemade Croissant Bread Recipe

Croissant bread is a delicious hybrid between the classic croissant and a traditional loaf. It delivers the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant but in a convenient bread form, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (350g) bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water (around 110°F)
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk, for brushing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, butter, and sugar until the butter is melted. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size or about 1 hour.
2. Laminate the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 12 inches by 18 inches. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then rotate it 90 degrees. Roll out the dough once more to form a rectangle, then fold it in thirds again. Repeat this process two more times, then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Shape and rise: After chilling, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches. Cut the dough into 12 equal triangles. Starting from the base of each triangle, roll them up tightly towards the point, forming crescent shapes. Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Cover with a lightly dampened kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the risen croissants with the milk and sprinkle with a little bit of sugar, if desired. Bake until it turns golden brown, typically around 20-25 minutes.
5. Enjoy: Let the croissants cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed plain, with your favorite jam or spread, or used for sandwiches.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 croissant):

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 4g

Tips for Perfect Croissant Bread:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted before adding it to the dough.
• Don't overwork the dough, or the croissants will be tough.
• Chilling the dough is essential for creating the flaky layers.
• Don't crowd the croissants on the baking sheet, or they will not bake evenly.

Conclusion:

Croissant bread is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. By following the simple tips in this recipe, you can enjoy the buttery, flaky goodness of croissants at home.