Recipe: Our Chef Leaks the Secrets to the Perfect Croissant

Find out how to bake the perfect croissants using these 3 industry secrets...

There is nothing quite like a warm, buttery, flaky croissant for breakfast that is freshly baked and straight from the oven. With its origins dating back to the 13th century, croissants are still incredibly popular today and very accessible in local cafes, restaurants and patisseries. Yet few of us realise the technical process, art and refined techniques which advanced pastry chefs master in order to bring us these crispy, layered delights.

Whether you like your croissants filled, bi-coloured, iced, or you are an activated charcoal enthusiast who is partial to a black croissant, one thing which we can all agree on is that the traditional croissant reigns supreme. As croissants are so readily available and easy to eat, it may surprise you to learn that they are actually not so easy to make. Croissants can take up to two full days to prepare and bake and with the technical process involved in getting them perfect. It is no wonder they are not usually recommended for beginners to attempt without tuition.

Our Diplôme de Commis Pâtissier students are currently learning the intricate art of croissant making and it’s the perfect time to ask our Technical Director, Chef Tom Milligan to spill the tea (or shall we say, the poolish) on the secrets to the perfect croissant!

1. Use a high protein baker’s flour
   Stoneground organic flour is recommended by chefs for the perfect croissants.
   
   
2. Check the quality of the butter
   Since one of the key ingredients in croissants is butter, chefs recommend using a high quality butter which is 84-87% fat with no additives or extra water.
   
   
3. Master the technique of laminating
   The layers which make up a croissant is a result of a process called laminating, where butter is folded into the dough multiple times to create alternating layers of butter and dough. This step is crucial in the process to ensure the steam effectively lifts the layers apart during baking. So the chef’s secret is in the extra care and attention during laminating to enhance the flaky, weightless, buttery layers of the perfect croissant.

So do you have the time, care and patience to try the art of croissant making? Flex your baker’s biceps and get ready to roll with our croissant recipe below!

Yields 12x50g Croissants

Recipes similar to this are taught at Le Cordon Bleu Australia as part of our patisserie programs, which is the perfect path for anyone with aspirations to become a skilled pastry chef!