Description
Croissant bread is a buttery, flaky loaf with the tender layers of a croissant and the texture of traditional bread. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side dish, it offers the best of both worlds in one easy-to-make loaf.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the dough)
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes (for laminating)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter. Mix until dough comes together and knead for 5-7 minutes (or 10 minutes by hand) until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Shape dough into a ball, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare Butter for Laminating: Punch dough down, roll out into a rectangle, and encase chilled butter in the dough.
- Laminating the Dough: Roll the dough out into a 12×16-inch rectangle, fold into thirds, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat the process 2-3 more times, refrigerating each time.
- Shape the Loaf: Roll dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle and roll up tightly, placing it seam-side down in a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan.
- Let the Dough Rise Again: Let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours until slightly above the top of the pan.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush with Egg Wash: Whisk egg and milk, brush over dough, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Sweet Twist: Add cinnamon and sugar to the dough or a honey glaze for sweetness.
- Herb Variation: Add rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the dough for a savory version.
- Cheese and Garlic: Add grated cheese and garlic for a cheesy twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
