Bakery-Style Homemade Croissants with Custard and Hazelnut Cream

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating bakery-style croissants at home, this recipe is your perfect guide. These Homemade Croissants are buttery, fluffy, and filled with indulgent custard and hazelnut cream, making them a truly luxurious treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a little patience and simple ingredients, you can achieve beautifully golden croissants that rival any café pastry.

What Are Homemade Croissants?

Croissants, a staple of French patisserie, are known for their flaky, buttery layers and iconic crescent shape. While traditional croissants require intricate lamination of dough, this recipe simplifies the process by incorporating rich layers of butter directly into the dough through stacking and rolling. The addition of custard and hazelnut cream brings a modern, decadent twist to this classic pastry. These croissants, inspired by European baking traditions, strike a perfect balance between buttery, sweet, and creamy flavors.

Why Everyone Will Love These Croissants

These croissants are guaranteed to win over any crowd, and here’s why:

• Buttery Layers: The stacked dough ensures every bite is rich and flaky.
• Custard and Hazelnut Filling: These luxurious fillings take the croissants to a whole new level.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, a party, or an indulgent snack, they’re always a hit.
• Satisfying to Make: While the process takes time, the results are incredibly rewarding.
• Customizable: Swap the custard and hazelnut cream with jams, chocolate, or fruit fillings to suit your taste.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Croissants

• Fresh yeast ensures the dough rises properly and develops the right texture.
• Warm milk helps activate the yeast for a smooth rise.
• Allowing the dough to rest at each stage helps develop flavor and structure.
•  Roll the dough into even thin layers to ensure consistent baking.
• Spreading butter between the layers is key for the rich, flaky texture.
• Bake the croissants in a properly preheated oven for an even golden color.

FAQ Section

Can I Use Dry Yeast Instead Of Fresh Yeast?

Yes! Substitute 25g of fresh yeast with 7g of dry yeast. Activate it in warm milk with sugar before adding it to the flour.

How Do I Prevent The Dough From Sticking?

Dust your working surface lightly with flour while rolling, but avoid adding too much, as it can affect the dough’s texture.

Can I Skip The Custard Or Hazelnut Cream Filling?

Absolutely! These croissants are delicious on their own, or you can fill them with other options like jam, chocolate, or whipped cream.

How Do I Ensure My Croissants Rise Properly?

Make sure your kitchen is warm and draft-free during the rising stages. Cover the dough with a cloth to prevent it from drying out.

Can I Make The Dough In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding.

How to Store Homemade Croissants

Freshly baked croissants are best enjoyed the same day for maximum flakiness. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Can I Freeze Homemade Croissants?

For longer storage, freeze the unbaked croissants after shaping. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for 1–2 hours before baking.

How to Make Homemade Croissants

Step 1

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine flour,  sugar,  lukewarm milk, and fresh yeast. Stir to combine, cover with a cloth, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine flour,  sugar,  lukewarm milk, and fresh yeast. Stir to combine, cover with a cloth, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Step 2

After resting, add 2 egg yolks, Greek yogurt,  sugar, a splash of vanilla essence, softened butter, and lemon zest. Mix well, cover, and let rest for 20 minutes.

After resting, add 2 egg yolks, Greek yogurt,  sugar, a splash of vanilla essence, softened butter, and lemon zest. Mix well, cover, and let rest for 20 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead until smooth, then place it back in the bowl. Cover with cling film and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead until smooth, then place it back in the bowl. Cover with cling film and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4

Step 4

Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape into balls.

Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape into balls.

Step 5

Step 5

Roll out each ball into a thin circle, spread butter on 5 of the circles, and stack them on top of each other, leaving the top layer butter-free. Chill the stacked dough for 30 minutes.

Roll out each ball into a thin circle, spread butter on 5 of the circles, and stack them on top of each other, leaving the top layer butter-free. Chill the stacked dough for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Step 6

Roll out the chilled dough into a large sheet. Cut it into 16 triangles and roll each one into a croissant shape, starting from the wide end.

Roll out the chilled dough into a large sheet. Cut it into 16 triangles and roll each one into a croissant shape, starting from the wide end.

Step 7

Step 7

Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for 45 minutes.

Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for 45 minutes.

Step 8

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 180°C/360°F. Brush the croissants with melted butter and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/360°F. Brush the croissants with melted butter and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9

Step 9

Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill the croissants with custard and hazelnut cream. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill the croissants with custard and hazelnut cream. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Step 10

Step 10

Arrange on a platter and enjoy these irresistible pastries!

Arrange on a platter and enjoy these irresistible pastries!