Authentic French Croissant and Coffee Recipe

Nothing epitomizes a classic French breakfast better than a flaky, buttery croissant paired with a rich cup of coffee. The French Croissant and Coffee Recipe is a staple morning delight that has won hearts worldwide. The art of making croissants requires patience, but the results are worth the effort, yielding golden, crisp layers that melt in your mouth. When accompanied by a perfectly brewed coffee, this breakfast becomes a luxurious treat. This guide will walk you through every step to prepare an authentic French croissant from scratch, along with a simple yet delicious coffee recipe to complement it.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 12 hours (including dough resting time)
• Active Time: 1 hour
• Resting Time: 10 hours
• Total Time: 13 hours
• Cuisine: French
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch
• Servings: 12 croissants
• Calories per serving: 300 kcal (croissant), 10 kcal (coffee)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Coffee maker or French press
• Small saucepan

Ingredients

For the Croissants:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

For the Coffee:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp ground coffee (French roast recommended)
• 1/2 cup milk (optional, for café au lait)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm milk and water, mixing until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Shape it into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Laminating the Dough

1. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a flat 6×6-inch square.
2. Roll out the chilled dough into a 10×10-inch square and place the butter block in the center.
3. Fold the dough over the butter, enclosing it completely.
4. Roll the dough into a 16-inch rectangle, then fold it into thirds (like a letter).
5. Wrap and chill for 1 hour. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling between each fold.

Step 3: Shaping the Croissants

1. Roll out the laminated dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
2. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into long triangles (about 3 inches wide at the base).
3. Gently stretch each triangle and roll it up from the base to the tip, forming the classic croissant shape.
4. Place croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
5. Cover loosely and let them proof at room temperature for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Baking the Croissants

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash.
3. Lightly brush each croissant with the egg wash.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
5. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Brewing the Perfect French Coffee

French Press Method:

1. Heat water to about 200°F (just below boiling).
2. Add ground coffee to the French press (1 tbsp per cup of water).
3. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds and stir gently.
4. Place the lid on and let it steep for 4 minutes.
5. Press the plunger down slowly and pour into cups.

Café au Lait (French-Style Coffee with Milk):

1. Heat milk in a small saucepan until warm but not boiling.
2. Brew a strong cup of coffee using a French press or drip method.
3. Pour equal parts coffee and steamed milk into a cup.
4. Add sugar if desired and stir.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Croissant:

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 16g
• Sugar: 5g

Coffee:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g (without milk or sugar)

Tips for the Best French Croissants

1. Use high-quality butter – European-style butter with higher fat content gives the best flavor.
2. Be patient with the laminating process – This ensures a flaky texture.
3. Maintain cold temperatures – Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting into the dough.
4. Proof properly – A warm, draft-free environment helps the croissants rise properly.
5. Bake until deep golden brown – This ensures crisp layers and a fully cooked interior.

Conclusion

Mastering the French Croissant and Coffee Recipe at home takes time, but the reward is a bakery-worthy breakfast right from your kitchen. The buttery layers of a fresh croissant, paired with a rich, aromatic French coffee, create the perfect morning indulgence. Whether you enjoy it on a lazy Sunday or serve it at brunch, this classic combination never fails to impress. Happy baking and brewing!