How do I achieve the perfect rise in french croissants?

Learn the secrets to achieving the perfect rise in your French croissants. Get ready for a batch of golden and fluffy pastries!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I achieve the perfect rise in French croissants. Items include: all-purpose flour granulated sugar salt active dry yeast unsalted butter

all-purpose flour 2 cups
granulated sugar 1/4 cup
salt 1 teaspoon
active dry yeast 2 and 1/4 teaspoons
unsalted butter 1 cup

Take note
Be warned, my dear croissant connoisseur, achieving the perfect rise requires time, patience, and a bit of practice. Don't rush the process, as good things come to those who wait. Also, keep in mind that croissant-making can be a messy affair, so prepare your kitchen accordingly.

1

Mix, Mix, Mix!

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Give it a good mix, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.

2

Butter Up!

Now, my friend, it's time for the magic trick. Take 1 cup of chilled unsalted butter and flatten it into a rectangle between two sheets of parchment paper. Place it in the fridge to keep it nice and cool.

3

Roll with Love

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully place the chilled butter rectangle on one-half of the dough. Fold over the other half of the dough to encase the butter. Seal the edges by gently pressing with your fingertips.

4

Fold and Chill

Fold the dough into thirds like a letter. Wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the butter chill and gives the dough time to relax.

5

Repeat the Fold

Remove the dough from the fridge and repeat the folding process two more times, chilling for 30 minutes between each fold. This creates those beautiful layers we all crave.

6

Shape and Rise

Roll out the dough into a long rectangle, then cut it into triangles. Gently stretch each triangle and roll it up tightly, starting from the wide end. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for 1-2 hours, until puffy and doubled in size.

7

Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Before baking, give your croissants an egg wash for a shiny finish. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant.