What You’ll Need:
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 egg yolk (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon of water
- Optional fillings: chocolate, ham, cheese, etc.
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and place them onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out slightly to even the thickness and create a rectangular shape.
Step 2: Spread Butter and Fold
Evenly spread softened butter over the entire surface of the puff pastry sheet. Make sure to reach the edges. Next, fold the puff pastry sheet in thirds, like a letter. This creates layers of butter and dough, which will give your croissants their flakiness.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Place the folded puff pastry sheet onto a baking sheet and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow the butter to harden and the dough to rest.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Remove the chilled puff pastry from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into triangles, with each base measuring approximately 3-4 inches wide.
Step 5: Add Fillings (Optional)
If desired, you can add fillings to your croissants such as chocolate, ham, or cheese. Simply place a small amount of the chosen filling at the wide base of each triangle.
Step 6: Shape the Croissants
Starting from the wide base, roll each triangle towards the pointed end, gently stretching the dough as you go. Place the rolled croissants onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring the pointed end is tucked underneath to prevent unraveling.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg yolk and water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of each croissant. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are puffed and golden brown.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Remove the baked croissants from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These homemade puff pastry croissants are best enjoyed fresh, and pair perfectly with your favorite hot beverage. Whether eaten plain or filled with your favorite ingredients, they are sure to impress your family and friends!
With this step-by-step guide, you now have all the knowledge to roll puff pastry croissants like a pro. Give it a try and elevate your baking skills to a new level. Enjoy!