Croissants(Crescent Rolls)

Prep: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: French

Golden, flaky croissants with buttery layers, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture appeals to pastry lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. active dry yeast
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 c. milk, scalded
  • 1 c. butter or margarine
  • 1/4 c. warm water
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 1/2 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Soften the active dry yeast in warm water.
  2. Combine sugar, salt, and milk in a bowl; cool to lukewarm.
  3. Beat in 1/2 cup of flour.
  4. Add yeast and beat well.
  5. Beat in remaining flour.
  6. Turn dough onto a floured surface.
  7. Allow dough to rest for 5 to 8 minutes.
  8. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  9. Put into a greased bowl; grease the top of the dough.
  10. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
  11. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your butter is cold when incorporating it into the dough, as this helps create the flaky layers that croissants are known for. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, consider using half whole wheat flour for a healthier twist while maintaining the texture. If you're short on time, you can also use store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut.

Serving Suggestions

Croissants are delightful when served warm with butter and jam, or for a richer option, pair them with creamy cheese and fresh fruits. They also make a fantastic base for sandwiches; try filling them with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a brunch treat. For a refreshing drink, serve alongside an Apricot Yogurt Fizz to complement their buttery flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Croissants(Crescent Rolls) contains roughly 269 calories, with 23g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value) and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

269 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23g 46% DV
Total Fat 5g 6% DV
Carbs 41.7g 15% DV
Fiber 14.5g 52% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 623.7mg 27% DV
Potassium 527.6mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 1.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 52.5mg 4% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make croissant dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it and allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and shaping.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough hasn't risen, it may be due to inactive yeast, which can happen if the water is too hot or too cold. Always test your yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the mix. If the dough still fails to rise, try placing it in a warmer area to encourage fermentation.

How can I tell when my croissants are done baking?

Croissants are done when they are golden brown and have a flaky, crisp exterior. To ensure they are cooked through, gently tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. The internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C) for optimal texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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