with French Breakfast Croissants of freshly baked croissants with café au lait, transport yourself to the streets of Paris. This simple yet elegant combination of warm, flaky croissants and a creamy, frothy café au lait is a staple of French mornings. Whether you’re looking for the perfect weekend breakfast or want to impress guests with a sophisticated treat, this recipe will bring the flavors of France right into your kitchen.
Making croissants from scratch might seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to achieve that perfect golden-brown, buttery texture. And pairing it with a rich café au lait completes the experience—just like the Parisians do!
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 30 minutes (for café au lait)
Cook Time: 20 minutes (for croissants)
Total Time: 50 minutes (if using pre-made croissants)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Croissants:
- 🌾 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1 tablespoon sugar
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🧈 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 🥛 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 🥚 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
Accompaniments:
- 🍓 Raspberry or apricot jam
- ☕ Freshly brewed coffee with steamed milk (Café au Lait)
- 🍊 Fresh orange juice
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add warm milk and mix until a dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll and Fold:
3. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Fold into thirds and roll out again. Repeat this process 4 times to create layers. Chill for 20 minutes between each fold.
Shape the Croissants:
4. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, then cut into triangles. Roll each triangle from the base to the tip to form croissant shapes.
Proof and Bake:
5. Place croissants on a baking sheet and let them rise for 1–2 hours, until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Brush with egg yolk and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve:
7. Serve the croissants warm with jam, a cup of café au lait, and fresh orange juice.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🥐 Quick Option: Use store-bought puff pastry for faster preparation.
- 🍫 Pain au Chocolat: Add a strip of dark chocolate to the croissant before rolling.
- 🍯 Sweet Glaze: Drizzle croissants with honey for extra sweetness.
- 🕒 Make Ahead: Freeze shaped croissants before baking and bake fresh as needed.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this classic French breakfast with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced start to your day.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This traditional French breakfast combines flaky, buttery croissants with rich café au lait and jam, offering a taste of Paris in the comfort of your home.
Let me know if you’d like another recipe idea! 😊
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