Homemade Circular Croissants

The mouth-watering smell of golden butter fills the kitchen while the delicate layers of flaky dough rise majestically in the oven. These round croissants, with their perfectly curved shape and unmatched texture, turn a simple breakfast into a moment of pure indulgence. Each bite shows off an amazing contrast between the crispy outside and the soft, airy inside that literally melts in your mouth.

Why you'll love these circular pastries

I found this method during a stay at my grandma's house where she made these croissants for our Sunday morning breakfasts. Watching her skilled hands turn basic ingredients into these golden wonders sparked my love for baking. After years of testing, I've tweaked her approach to make these round croissants that have become the main attraction at our family brunches. The look of wonder on my kids' faces when they see these pastries fresh from the oven remains one of my greatest kitchen joys.

Key ingredients

• All-purpose flour: pick a quality flour with medium gluten content for a stretchy yet tender dough
• Active dry yeast: make sure it's fresh to get that perfect rise in your croissants
• Unsalted butter: go for high-fat butter (at least 82%) for perfect layering
• Warm milk: the best temperature is between 35-40°C, not too hot to kill the yeast, not too cold to slow it down

Pin it

Careful preparation

Making the dough:

In a small bowl, gently mix warm milk with sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy, showing your yeast is working. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour and salt, then slowly add melted butter and your yeast mixture. Work it all together until you get a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Kneading and first rise:

Move your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth, stretchy and silky. Shape it into a ball and put it in an oiled bowl covered with a clean cloth. Let it rest in a warm spot away from drafts for about an hour, until it doubles in size from the yeast action.

Shaping the croissants:

Once the dough has risen well, gently press it down with your palm. Then roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 cm thick, trying to keep an even shape. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the dough into long triangles. Starting from the wide base of each triangle, roll firmly but not too tight toward the point, slightly stretching the dough to get more layers. Then curve the ends to create that signature circular shape.

Perfect baking:

Place your croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them as they'll expand during baking. Gently brush them with beaten egg to get that gorgeous golden color that makes them so appealing. Bake in your preheated oven at 190°C for 25-30 minutes until they're fully puffed and golden. Let them cool for a few minutes on a rack before giving in to their irresistible smell.

The first time I served these croissants at a friend's brunch, the silence that fell over the table said it all. Between bites, my friend Sophie, who had just returned from France, said they were as good as ones from Parisian bakeries. That compliment sticks with me as one of my biggest cooking achievements.

Tasty variations

For a more indulgent version, tuck a piece of quality dark chocolate into the wide end of the triangle before rolling. The chocolate will melt during baking, creating an irresistible gooey center. Almond lovers will enjoy adding a thin layer of almond paste and sprinkling some sliced almonds on top before baking. For a surprising savory twist, add some thin slices of ham and grated gruyère cheese that will melt beautifully during baking.

Serving suggestions

These round croissants taste best when still warm, when their aroma is most captivating and their texture perfectly contrasted. Pair them with homemade strawberry jam or acacia honey to enhance their buttery flavor. For a complete breakfast, serve them with fresh seasonal fruit and freshly ground coffee. For special occasions, I like to present them on a large platter with different topping options, letting everyone customize their own taste experience.

Smart storage

These treats will stay good for up to two days in an airtight container at room temperature, but nothing beats eating them the same day. To bring back their original crispness after storage, warm them for a few minutes in an oven preheated to 150°C. If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the dough after shaping. Just let them thaw and rise overnight in the fridge before baking them in the morning for an amazing breakfast with minimal effort.

Pin it

Chef tricks

These circular croissants perfectly capture the delicate art of French pastry while remaining doable for home bakers. What amazes me most about this recipe is how it transforms a handful of basic ingredients into something fancy that awakens all senses - from the subtle crack of the golden crust to the enticing butter smell that fills every airy layer.

Balanced flavors

One standout quality of these croissants is their perfectly balanced taste profile. The richness of butter is offset by a light sweetness that's never overwhelming. This subtle harmony lets you fully appreciate the complex flavors that develop during baking. For more adventurous taste buds, try adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking - this sweet-salty contrast will take the taste experience to another level.

Perfect times to enjoy

These round croissants naturally belong at weekend breakfasts when time slows down to make room for enjoying authentic flavors. They're also an elegant option for a festive brunch with friends or a refined afternoon snack. I especially love making them on birthday mornings to create a memorable wake-up, or during winter holidays when their comforting warmth nicely contrasts with the outdoor chill.

Family activity

Making these croissants can turn into a wonderful family bonding time. Kids love helping with the shaping, amazed to see how a simple triangle of dough transforms into an elegantly curved form. It's a perfect chance to pass on the love of handmade pastry while creating lasting memories. My eight-year-old daughter has developed a real passion for baking after helping make these circular croissants.

Seasonal adaptations

This basic recipe works wonderfully with seasonal changes. In summer, mix some fresh lavender into your dough for a subtly fragrant Provençal touch. In fall, a pinch of cinnamon and a bit of hazelnut powder will create warm, comforting notes. For the holiday season, some orange zest and a hint of cardamom will transform these croissants into true ambassadors of festive flavors.

Pin it

Nutritional value and wellbeing

While these croissants are undeniably a treat, they can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Their complex carbs provide lasting energy, especially nice at the start of your day. For a slightly more nutritious version, try replacing a quarter of the white flour with spelt flour, which will add a subtle nutty flavor and extra nutrients.

The beauty of these circular croissants lies in their ability to reconnect us with the genuine pleasure of homemade cooking. In our fast-paced world, taking time to create these delicate pastries becomes almost meditative - a moment to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the creation process just as much as the end result.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes! Stop after the first rise and refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it back to room temp the next day before shaping.

→ How do I check if my yeast is active?

The milk, sugar, and yeast mix should foam up with small bubbles after 5 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be expired.

→ Is it possible to freeze these croissants?

Absolutely! Either freeze them before baking by flash freezing on a tray and storing them in a bag, or freeze the baked ones once cooled.

→ Why aren’t my croissants flaky enough?

This easier method sacrifices some flakiness for simplicity. For more layers, fold in butter like in traditional recipes.

→ What’s the best way to store finished croissants?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. To freshen them, pop them in a preheated oven at 150°C for a few minutes.