Flaky Croissant Bread Recipe
This Croissant Bread recipe combines the flaky, buttery layers of a classic croissant with the comforting texture of bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a delicious snack, this bread features a tender crumb and crisp, golden crust made from a rich yeast dough layered with butter.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk, about 110°F (43°C)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
Butter Layer
- 1 cup (227g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating the dough
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Add softened butter and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare butter block: Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and pound with rolling pin to form a flat rectangle about 7×9 inches. Refrigerate until firm but pliable.
- Laminate dough: Roll the risen dough out into a rectangle roughly 10×15 inches. Place the butter block in the center and fold dough over it from all sides to encase the butter completely. Roll out the dough again to about 10×20 inches, then fold into thirds like a letter. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process 2 more times, chilling between each turn to develop layers.
- Shape the bread: After the final turn and chill, roll the dough out to desired thickness and shape into a loaf or braid it for a decorative bread. Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Final proof: Cover the shaped dough and let it proof at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use cold butter for lamination to achieve crispy, flaky layers.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Do not skip chilling between folds to prevent butter from melting out of the dough.
- For added flavor, brush the top with egg wash before baking for a shiny crust.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
Keywords: croissant bread, laminated dough, flaky bread, layered bread, yeast bread, breakfast bread