Easy Baked Breakfast Croissant Recipe

Croissants are one of the most beloved pastries in the world. Originating in Austria, they were later popularized in France, where they became a staple of French bakeries. The name “croissant” comes from the French word for “crescent,” which refers to the pastry’s signature crescent shape. Made from a laminated dough (a dough that is folded with butter), croissants are characterized by their flaky layers, light texture, and rich flavor.

While many people think that making croissants from scratch is a difficult and time-consuming process, this recipe breaks down the steps in a way that makes it easy to achieve bakery-quality croissants in your own kitchen. Whether you are making traditional buttery croissants or adding fun fillings like scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon, this guide will provide you with all the knowledge you need to bake perfect breakfast croissants.

How to Make the Croissant Dough

The dough for croissants is a crucial part of the process. Croissants require a specific texture and structure to achieve their signature flakiness, and the dough needs to be soft and slightly elastic, but also sturdy enough to hold its shape during baking. Here’s a breakdown of the dough-making process.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

The first step is to activate the yeast, which helps the dough rise and become airy. Combine the warm water and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. When it’s ready, you should see bubbles or foam on the surface, which indicates that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, milk, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until it forms a dough. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead the dough on low speed for 5–7 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Rest the Dough

Once the dough has been kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours. The dough should double in size. This resting time is essential for the dough to develop the right texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Shaping and Filling

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out and shape the croissants. If you want to fill your croissants with savory ingredients, now is the time to prepare those fillings as well.

Step 1: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. You want the dough to be wide and long enough to cut into triangles, so try to make the dough roughly 12 inches by 18 inches in size.

Step 2: Add the Filling

Cut the dough into triangles. Each triangle should be about 4–5 inches wide at the base and 6–8 inches tall. On each triangle, place a small spoonful of filling. You can add scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, cheese, and fresh herbs for a classic breakfast filling, but feel free to get creative with the fillings to suit your tastes.

Step 3: Shape the Croissants

Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently roll it up towards the pointed tip, being careful not to squish the dough. Place each rolled croissant on a parchment-lined baking sheet, curving the ends to form a crescent shape, or leave them straight for a more traditional look.

Baking Your Croissants to Perfection

Before baking your croissants, they need to rise again for about 30 minutes to ensure that they puff up properly.

Step 1: Egg Wash

To give your croissants a golden, glossy finish, brush them with a beaten egg wash. This is done by simply whisking an egg and using a basting brush to coat each croissant before baking.

Step 2: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place your croissants in the oven and bake them for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 3: Brushing with Butter

Once the croissants are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them immediately with melted butter to add richness and flavor.

Customizing Your Croissant: Sweet and Savory Options

Croissants are incredibly versatile. Here are a few filling options to experiment with:

1. Savory Options:

   • Ham and Cheese: Add slices of ham and Swiss or cheddar cheese for a classic French-inspired filling.

   • Spinach and Ricotta: Sauté spinach and mix with ricotta cheese for a light and flavorful option.

   • Bacon, Egg, and Cheese: Crumbled bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese make for a hearty breakfast croissant.

2. Sweet Options:

   • Nutella and Banana: Spread Nutella on the dough and add banana slices for a sweet and indulgent filling.

   • Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar inside the croissant for a sweet, cinnamon-filled treat.

   • Fruit Jam and Cream Cheese: Spread fruit jam (such as strawberry or raspberry) and a layer of cream cheese for a deliciously fruity croissant.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the most experienced bakers face a few hurdles now and then. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues when making croissants:

• Croissants don’t rise: This could be because the yeast didn’t activate properly or the dough was overworked. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment.

• Croissants are too dense: Make sure to let the dough rise properly and avoid over-kneading, which can make the croissants too heavy.

• Croissants are too hard: This could be due to overbaking. Always watch your croissants closely in the oven, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and flakiness.

• Don’t rush the resting times. Allow the dough to rest and rise to get that light, airy texture.

• Make your dough the night before if you want to speed up the process in the morning. Let the dough rest in the fridge overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze croissants before baking? Yes, you can freeze unbaked croissants. Shape them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use puff pastry instead of making my dough from scratch? Yes, you can use puff pastry for a quicker option. However, the flavor and texture will be different from homemade croissants.

Alternative Recipes and Variations

There are many variations to try, from classic French croissants to more adventurous flavor combinations. Explore different fillings and techniques to make the recipe your own.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Serve your croissants with fresh fruit, a cup of coffee, or a hot tea. They also pair wonderfully with a light salad or soup for a savory meal.

Yield: 8

Easy Baked Breakfast Croissant Recipe

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Croissants are one of the most beloved pastries in the world. Originating in Austria, they were later popularized in France, where they became a staple of French bakeries. The name “croissant” comes from the French word for “crescent,” which refers to the pastry’s signature crescent shape. Made from a laminated dough (a dough that is folded with butter), croissants are characterized by their flaky layers, light texture, and rich flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 can (8 count) of crescent roll dough
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (or bacon, optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, such as chives or parsley)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into a pan over medium heat and scramble until just set, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the cooked sausage (or bacon) and cheese.
   
3. Prepare the Croissants: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the seams together to form a rectangle or squares.
   
4. Assemble the Croissants: Spoon a generous amount of the egg and sausage mixture onto each piece of dough, then fold over to form a triangle or roll the dough into a croissant shape.
   
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
   
6. Serve: Let them cool for a couple of minutes, then serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Customization: Feel free to substitute the sausage with other protein options, such as ham, turkey, or even veggies for a vegetarian version.
  
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the filling the night before and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake in the morning for a quick breakfast!
  
• Freezing: These croissants can be frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze for about an hour, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.