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Make Perfect Croissants With Claire Saffitz | Try This at Home | NYT Cooking

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Croissants are a quintessential French pastry, known for their flaky texture and buttery flavor. They are often enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, and are a staple in French bakeries. The origins of the croissant are debated, with some tracing it back to Austria, while others credit France for its popularization. Regardless, they have become synonymous with French cuisine and culture, often paired with coffee or hot chocolate in cafes.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • butter
  • water
  • milk
  • yeast
  • sugar
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
  2. 2Add water and milk, then knead until smooth.
  3. 3Roll out the dough and incorporate butter by folding.
  4. 4Chill the dough to allow the butter to firm up.
  5. 5Roll and fold the dough multiple times to create layers.
  6. 6Cut into triangles and roll them up to form croissants.
  7. 7Let them rise until doubled in size.
  8. 8Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
  9. 9Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.

butter

Healthier: margarine

Cheaper: vegetable shortening

Margarine can be lower in saturated fat, while shortening is often cheaper.

Techniques

kneadingrollingfoldingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlrolling pinbaking sheetoven
glutendairy
⚠️

Origin debated between Austria and France.

Also Known As

Butter CroissantsFrench Croissants

Pain au Chocolat, or Chocolate Croissant, is a beloved pastry in France, often enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack. Originating in the 19th century, it showcases the French mastery of pastry-making, particularly in lamination techniques. This delightful treat features a flaky, buttery exterior with rich chocolate inside, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Today, variations can be found globally, with some bakeries adding different fillings or flavors to this classic.

Ingredients

  • croissant dough
  • dark chocolate
  • butter
  • egg
  • flour
  • sugar
  • salt
  • yeast

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare croissant dough and let it rest until doubled in size.
  2. 2Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
  3. 3Cut the dough into squares, each large enough to hold a piece of chocolate.
  4. 4Place a piece of dark chocolate in the center of each square.
  5. 5Fold the corners of the dough over the chocolate to enclose it completely.
  6. 6Place the shaped pastries seam-side down on a baking sheet.
  7. 7Cover the pastries with a cloth and let them rise until puffy, about 1 hour.
  8. 8Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. 9Brush the tops of the pastries with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  10. 10Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
  11. 11Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

dark chocolate

Healthier: dark chocolate with lower sugar

Cheaper: semi-sweet chocolate

Semi-sweet chocolate is often more affordable and still provides a rich flavor.

butter

Healthier: margarine

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil can be a cost-effective substitute for butter in dough.

Techniques

laminatingproofingbaking

Equipment

baking sheetrolling pinmixing bowlovenpastry brush
milkeggswheat

Also Known As

Chocolate CroissantChocolatine

Originating from France, ham and cheese croissants are a delightful variation of the classic buttery croissant. These pastries are often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or snack, embodying the French love for quality ingredients and simple yet delicious combinations. Today, they are popular in cafes around the world, often served fresh and warm, making them a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

  • croissant dough
  • ham
  • cheese
  • egg
  • mustard
  • black pepper
  • parsley
  • milk

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Roll out the croissant dough on a floured surface.
  3. 3Cut the dough into triangles.
  4. 4Spread mustard on each triangle.
  5. 5Layer ham and cheese on the wider end of each triangle.
  6. 6Roll the triangles from the wide end to the point, forming a croissant shape.
  7. 7Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. 8Beat the egg with milk and brush the mixture over the croissants.
  9. 9Sprinkle black pepper and parsley on top.
  10. 10Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  11. 11Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

croissant dough

Healthier: whole wheat pastry dough

Cheaper: store-bought puff pastry

Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrition.

ham

Healthier: turkey

Cheaper: bologna

Turkey is leaner, while bologna is often more affordable.

cheese

Healthier: low-fat cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories, while processed cheese is often less expensive.

Techniques

rollingbaking

Equipment

ovenbaking sheetparchment paperrolling pinbrush
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

Croissants au Jambon et FromageHam & Cheese Pastries

Originating from France, almond croissants are a delightful pastry that combines the buttery layers of croissant dough with a sweet almond filling. Traditionally enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, these pastries are often found in bakeries across France. Today, almond croissants have gained popularity worldwide, with many variations incorporating chocolate or fruit.

Ingredients

  • croissant dough
  • almond paste
  • butter
  • powdered sugar
  • almonds
  • egg
  • vanilla extract
  • milk
  • salt
  • sugar
  • flour
  • heavy cream
  • confectioners' sugar
  • orange zest
  • almond extract

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Roll out the croissant dough on a lightly floured surface.
  3. 3Cut the dough into triangles and set aside.
  4. 4In a bowl, mix almond paste, softened butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth.
  5. 5Spread a layer of the almond mixture on each triangle of dough.
  6. 6Roll the triangles from the wide end to the tip to form croissants.
  7. 7Place the rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. 8Beat the egg with a splash of milk and brush the mixture over the croissants.
  9. 9Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each croissant.
  10. 10Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  11. 11Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  12. 12Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.
  13. 13Serve warm or at room temperature.
  14. 14Enjoy with coffee or tea.
milkeggstree-nutsgluten

Also Known As

Almond Croissants

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