Croissants are not just pastries to me. They’re not just two days worth of work, careful rolling, and dough laminating. They’re not just butter-laden, flaky bits of heaven.

Croissants represent the mission of Willow Bird Baking: to inspire home cooks to build their kitchen confidence by repeatedly tackling challenging new recipes. In July, I issued the Croissant Challenge where I asked home cooks who had never made homemade croissants before to whip up a batch. Many croissant newbies jumped at the challenge and became Croissant Masters (see their work here: page 1, 2, 3). Their enthusiasm confirmed for me that successfully taking on a challenging recipe can be an exhilarating, satisfying, galvanizing experience.

Thank you so much for voting me through to Project Food Blog Challenge #4 to create a phototutorial. Now it’s time for me to turn the tables on you — because I’m not only completing a challenge, I’m issuing a challenge.

Will you join the proud group to have mastered croissants? No matter your skill level or experience, you can do it, and I’m here to help. If you’re willing to commit to croissant, leave a comment below! Let’s walk through my (slightly ridiculous) version of the process together.











































































Willow Bird Baking is a contestant in Project Food Blog, a contest comprised of a series of 10 challenges to find the next food blog star. Voting for Challenge #4 is now open! To vote for this Croissant Tutorial, register for a Foodbuzz account. Once you’re registered, sign in and go here. To vote, click the heart next to the words “Vote for this Entry.” I am so grateful for your support!


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174 Comments on Homemade Croissant Phototutorial

  1. sophia
    October 9, 2010 at 9:01 pm (13 years ago)

    OMg. I’ve tried making croissants before. I FAILED miserably. Of course, I was stupid and did it in an unair-conditioned kitchen on a hot summer day. Yours turned out terrific. Truly impressive!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 9, 2010 at 9:09 pm (13 years ago)

      I can picture the buttery mess you must have been in, Sophia!! I say you need to try again on a cool day for a confidence boost πŸ˜‰ Thanks so much!

      Reply
  2. girlichef
    October 9, 2010 at 9:02 pm (13 years ago)

    YUM!! Absolutely fabulous post…homemade croissants are the ultimate! Best of luck in this round πŸ™‚

    Reply
  3. Rose in Ohio
    October 9, 2010 at 9:06 pm (13 years ago)

    I hereby name this post “Awesome Awesomeness.”

    What a treat from start to finish!

    Reply
  4. Wei-Wei
    October 9, 2010 at 9:15 pm (13 years ago)

    Holy craaaaaaap! That looks like so much fun! You know what? I AM DOING THIS. FOR SURE. YEAH. πŸ˜€ Croissant party, here I come!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 9, 2010 at 9:19 pm (13 years ago)

      ALL RIGHT WEI-WEI!! That’s the spirit!!! I can’t wait to see your croissant masterpieces!

      Reply
      • Wei-Wei
        November 8, 2010 at 2:52 am (13 years ago)

        By the way – how do I do that 7 minutes of kneading without a stand mixer or bread machine?? πŸ™

        Reply
        • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
          November 8, 2010 at 8:37 am (13 years ago)

          No worries! It’s totally doable by hand — with some elbow grease! Just push the dough back with the palm of your hand and then roll it forward, push back, roll forward, etc. I’m sure there are great youtube videos of kneading. Just do it on a floured surface and stick with it! πŸ™‚

          Reply
  5. Lora @cakeduchess
    October 9, 2010 at 9:21 pm (13 years ago)

    I am up for the croissant challenge! Yours look delicious! You have my vote (again):)

    Reply
  6. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels
    October 9, 2010 at 10:21 pm (13 years ago)

    I absolutely LOVE your entry, so entertaining and the croissants look delicious!!! The picture of you with the mask is hilarious, don’t call my name croissant dough. Hahaha. You did a fantastic job with this challenge, wooohoooo! Best of luck. You’re incredible, I’m voting for you!!

    Reply
  7. Liz
    October 9, 2010 at 10:56 pm (13 years ago)

    Great post…nomnomnom!

    Reply
  8. Winnie
    October 10, 2010 at 12:07 am (13 years ago)

    Totally and completely awesome! Now I really want a (homemade) croissant πŸ™‚

    Reply
  9. Tastes Better With Friends
    October 10, 2010 at 12:57 am (13 years ago)

    I don’t even think I would attempt to make croissants, but I am beyond impressed with your initiative! they look great!
    All you’re missing is a puppy in the post;)

    Reply
  10. Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite
    October 10, 2010 at 8:27 am (13 years ago)

    Absolutely gorgeous pictures but I think still too complicated for a pastry novice like me! Can I please order a dozen? πŸ˜‰ Good luck – hope to see you in Round 5!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 10, 2010 at 9:40 am (13 years ago)

      I promise it’s not! The truth is, croissants are mostly just tedious — rolling, waiting, rolling, waiting — rather than difficult, which is why it’s such a nice bit of pastry to “cut your teeth” on and feel really proud πŸ™‚

      Thank you!

      Reply
  11. SohdaLex
    October 10, 2010 at 8:32 am (13 years ago)

    WOW. These look like the real deal πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  12. Jules
    October 10, 2010 at 8:54 am (13 years ago)

    Wow…just wow.

    Now I really have no excuse…

    Reply
  13. sippitysup
    October 10, 2010 at 8:59 am (13 years ago)

    The laying on the sofa part (exhausted) I could handle. Fortunately these instructional pics (almost) make me think I could do this. GREG

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 10, 2010 at 9:39 am (13 years ago)

      You can, you can! And you should! The feeling afterward (the satisfaction — not the exhaustion) is so worth the effort πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Meghan
    October 10, 2010 at 9:38 am (13 years ago)

    Okay, you’ve inspired me. Now I just need some free time…

    Reply
  15. Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    October 10, 2010 at 9:40 am (13 years ago)

    Ok, you make this look like something I could do. I’ve shied away from even attempting croissants, but now I’m thinking this might need to be a project for VERY SOON! You’ve got my vote πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 10, 2010 at 9:44 am (13 years ago)

      Hurray, Mara!! You can do it! It’s a bit sticky and a bit scary until after the first fold, but once it’s in the fridge, it’s all easy-sailin’ from there πŸ™‚ And SO worth it!

      Reply
  16. Joanne
    October 10, 2010 at 12:35 pm (13 years ago)

    My question is, why have I not tried my hand at croissants even after seeing all of your croissant challenges? Hmm. No idea.

    Great post! Super funny. I’ll be voting!

    Reply
  17. Elsa
    October 10, 2010 at 2:36 pm (13 years ago)

    Wow your croissants look like they’re from a bakery! And thanks for the step-by-step method.. I find pictures are more helpful than a list of directions!

    Reply
  18. Vivian (AKA Mom)
    October 10, 2010 at 3:37 pm (13 years ago)

    YUM!!! Bring us some quick!! πŸ™‚ Jason is here and would love some…

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 10, 2010 at 3:45 pm (13 years ago)

      I wish I could, mom, but I just realized I froze the rest and forgot to thaw them last night πŸ™

      Reply
  19. Baking Barrister
    October 10, 2010 at 5:57 pm (13 years ago)

    Okay fine. You’ve convinced me that croissants aren’t as difficult as I make them out to be. But I’m unsure if I’m ready to face that much butter. Sigh. Lovely post.

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 10, 2010 at 6:57 pm (13 years ago)

      The butter’s the best part! πŸ˜€ Puff pastry has even more butter, believe it or not!

      Thank you πŸ™‚

      Reply
  20. Maranda
    October 10, 2010 at 6:10 pm (13 years ago)

    LOL!!! I love this post!!!! I love the pictures of you being goofy as well. Congrats on making it to level 4. I will definitely be voting for you to make it to level 5 (not that I haven’t voted for you all the other times). Good luck doll!!!

    Reply
  21. Suzy
    October 10, 2010 at 6:17 pm (13 years ago)

    I’ve been wanting to make my own homemade croissants for awhile now…like since your challenge post this summer…but I have yet to take the plunge. I am now re-energized to finally do this. Why? (1) because I love how you get so happy when your readers make their own croissants; and (2) because I too want to flop melodramatically on the sofa in my heels after completing Fold #4.

    You’ve got my vote again…good luck!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 10, 2010 at 6:55 pm (13 years ago)

      Hurray for being re-energized!! It’s worth it for the sofa-flop alone, not to mention the pastry! πŸ˜‰

      Thanks so much, Suzy!

      Reply
  22. Meggie Wallace
    October 10, 2010 at 8:20 pm (13 years ago)

    One day, I will definitely make these! I have been wanting to, but 3 kids make it rough! I will for sure try for the holidays, though. What better excuse to do something you love and make a loved one watch the children while doing so? πŸ™‚
    Thanks for the post! love it <3

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 10, 2010 at 8:23 pm (13 years ago)

      I can imagine that 3 little ones would, indeed, make it rough! Here’s hoping for a good babysitter for you for Christmas πŸ™‚ I know you will love the process!

      Thanks, Meggie!

      Reply
  23. Duchess of Fork
    October 10, 2010 at 8:49 pm (13 years ago)

    Holy cow, girl! Your croissants look amazing! I had NO idea how much butter went into these bad boys!! My husband is drooling over your pictures. Guess I’ll have to make these soon. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  24. theteachercooks
    October 10, 2010 at 9:41 pm (13 years ago)

    You have done a fantastic job with this pictorial! I can use this is my class! I know that you will advance to the next level. Good luck!

    Reply
  25. Vivian (AKA Mom)
    October 10, 2010 at 9:58 pm (13 years ago)

    That is okay..we are stuffed! (Angel Biscuits!) They do look lovely this time, though!

    Reply
  26. Tandy
    October 11, 2010 at 1:54 am (13 years ago)

    love the sleeping on the couch photo! superb post πŸ™‚

    Reply
  27. Liren
    October 11, 2010 at 10:26 am (13 years ago)

    Adorable! I especially like the nap part LOL! But seriously, nicely done – the diagrams are very helpful! I’ll be cheering you on to challenge 5!

    Reply
  28. Evan @swEEts
    October 11, 2010 at 10:29 am (13 years ago)

    I LOVEd this post! I have never made croissants before so this is totally going to come in handy πŸ™‚ We’re moving this week and the plus? I now have ample counter space to finally try making croissants! I just printed the recipe.. sooo excited!!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 10:31 am (13 years ago)

      Hurray, Evan!! I can’t WAIT to see your croissants! It’s such a rewarding process!

      And hurray, also, for ample counter space!!

      Thank you πŸ™‚

      Reply
  29. Carolyn
    October 11, 2010 at 10:44 am (13 years ago)

    Love that you issued this challenge! I am not sure I am willing to take it on, because I can’t eat the darn things (too many carbs for poor diabetic me), although I love them beyond belief. But maybe I will get around to making them someday, and if I do, I will let you know!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 1:17 pm (13 years ago)

      Aw, I’m sad that you can’t eat them, Carolyn! But I still hope you’ll enjoy making them! πŸ™‚ Thank you!

      Reply
  30. Beth
    October 11, 2010 at 11:34 am (13 years ago)

    Great job, Julie! You make it look so easy..I will have to try these soon- when I have some mommy time!! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  31. Flotch
    October 11, 2010 at 12:29 pm (13 years ago)

    What a great post. This is something I’ve always wanted to try and now I have your step-by-step instructions. PS – LOVE YOUR SHOES!!!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 1:18 pm (13 years ago)

      Thank you, Flotch!! I hope you’ll give it a try and love the process! I totally love these shoes too, btw — don’t have many events to wear them to, but I figured making croissants was as good as any occasion πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  32. Jacob's Kitchen
    October 11, 2010 at 2:22 pm (13 years ago)

    Wow. these look really great. I have never made my own croissants because it seems so complicated. But you broke it down really well, and made it seem easy (if time consuming). Nicely done. I voted for you again!

    Good luck! hope to see us both in round 5!!! =)

    Reply
  33. Savory Sweet Living
    October 11, 2010 at 2:42 pm (13 years ago)

    I made croissants once in culinary school and it was an exhausting process, though I do love the pounding butter part; and yes, it was very loud. I’m really impressed that you have successfully showed us how to make these through your post and pictures. Great job and you got my vote. Good luck!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 2:43 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks so much for your vote! It IS a long process — but I was thrilled to discover after the first time I made them that though it was lonnnng, it wasn’t that *hard*! And so rewarding! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  34. Lindsay
    October 11, 2010 at 3:36 pm (13 years ago)

    great post! Just gave you a vote!!

    Reply
  35. Heather
    October 11, 2010 at 3:51 pm (13 years ago)

    That was way more fun than my blog’s croissant tutorial….even though I definitely did lay on the couch dramatically AND throw a mardi gras mask-involved party after the fact. πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  36. Therese @ artistta
    October 11, 2010 at 4:06 pm (13 years ago)

    It’s been years since I’ve tried to make croissants and that’s probably because of the love you must have to make them, oh and lots and lots of time! These look wonderful. Great job. You’ve got my vote!

    Reply
  37. stephchows
    October 11, 2010 at 4:15 pm (13 years ago)

    WOW that was a crazy amount of steps!! great job!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 6:49 pm (13 years ago)

      I promise it’s easier than it looks! Just time consuming πŸ™‚ Thank you Steph!

      Reply
  38. Margaret Murph.y Tripp
    October 11, 2010 at 5:41 pm (13 years ago)

    I LOVE this post! I’ve always wanted to try making croissants and you just nudged me over the edge. They look so good and your photo tutorial was fantastic! You got my vote. Hope you get to advance!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 6:50 pm (13 years ago)

      Margaret, I can’t wait to see your croissants!! It is SUCH a rewarding experience to pull these babies out of the oven πŸ™‚ Thank you!

      Reply
  39. Hungry Jenny
    October 11, 2010 at 6:08 pm (13 years ago)

    What a great post! I love that you’ve set this Croissant Challenge and inspired so many people – now I feel compelled to try it too! πŸ™‚

    I don’t have a mixer so will I need an extra hour for kneading…arrgh!

    Good luck with the competition, you so deserve to get to the next round!

    Hungry Jenny x

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 6:56 pm (13 years ago)

      I’ve had a person or two do it with no mixer and succeed beautifully, so don’t worry (well, except for your wrists) πŸ˜‰ I can’t WAIT to see your croissants, Jenny!! Thank you for joining in the fun!

      Reply
  40. Jan/Thella
    October 11, 2010 at 6:47 pm (13 years ago)

    hurray! great job on the croissants πŸ™‚ they look lovely. great step-by-step guide too! grats on round 4 πŸ™‚ +1 vote

    Reply
  41. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit
    October 11, 2010 at 6:49 pm (13 years ago)

    Those croissants are beautiful! They look like a project that would be fun when my kids come for a visit in November- I’m bookmarking! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 6:59 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks so much, Betty!! Have fun with them! πŸ™‚ I can’t wait to see yours — I know they’ll be beautiful!

      Reply
  42. Damaris
    October 11, 2010 at 7:05 pm (13 years ago)

    I wish I could vote for you over and over again. Seriously who makes croissants from scratch? No one. You totally deserve to advance.

    Reply
  43. Heena @ Tiffin Tales
    October 11, 2010 at 8:32 pm (13 years ago)

    I LOVE croissants. And pretending to wear high heels in the kitchen. My vote’s in. Good luck!

    Reply
  44. Julie M.
    October 11, 2010 at 8:40 pm (13 years ago)

    Beautiful croissants! I love the damsel in distress picture and the par-tay pictures. I can tell you had alot of fun putting this together. Good luck, I’ll be rooting for you to advance to the next round!

    Reply
  45. Stay-At-Home-Chef
    October 11, 2010 at 10:13 pm (13 years ago)

    Wow – looks like you did a fab job on quite the challenge! Croissants. From Scratch. I’m impressed! Good luck and hope to join you in the next round πŸ™‚

    Reply
  46. Jo Anne
    October 11, 2010 at 11:32 pm (13 years ago)

    Wow, they look great! Every time I look at your entries, I gain 2 pounds! You definitely have my vote.

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 11, 2010 at 11:35 pm (13 years ago)

      Just imagine if you were eating them! HA! I have to be careful about that . . . πŸ˜‰

      THANK YOU!!

      Reply
  47. Sues
    October 12, 2010 at 12:18 am (13 years ago)

    Wow! I’m totally scared of making my own croissants, but I really, really love them. You make it seem totally approachable and worth it! When I’m ready to try my own, I’ll definitely be looking back at this tutorial πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 12:20 am (13 years ago)

      You can do it, Sues!! It’s such a satisfying process πŸ™‚ Totally more lonnng than it is hard!

      Thanks πŸ™‚

      Reply
  48. Sarah (aka Favorite Sister)
    October 12, 2010 at 7:52 am (13 years ago)

    Very clever post Julie! Can’t wait to vote for you next week.

    Reply
  49. Jen H
    October 12, 2010 at 8:48 am (13 years ago)

    I’m so down for this challenge! I’ve been dying to make croissants and am so happy I came across your site and this awesome tutorial!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 9:09 am (13 years ago)

      Hurray Jen!! Cannot wait to see your croissants!! Enjoy the process πŸ™‚

      Thank you!

      Reply
  50. Fiona at Life on Nanchang Lu
    October 12, 2010 at 10:08 am (13 years ago)

    Love it! Voted! my first job was as the icing girl at Brumby’s Bakery – I would spend all morning making cream buns and watching the bakers make 400 croissants. I’ve always thought them way too tricky for the home cook til now – will have to give these a go!

    Reply
  51. Wei-Wei
    October 12, 2010 at 10:17 am (13 years ago)

    Actually, I was wondering – how do you shape the pains au chocolate? How do you roll the chocolate batons into the dough? Thanks πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 2:19 pm (13 years ago)

      Those are the easiest, Wei-Wei! They’re rectangles, and you just place the chocolate baton on one side with about 1/4 inch border and roll up into a little log.

      Reply
  52. mary beth
    October 12, 2010 at 10:43 am (13 years ago)

    Can I just say that that is the cutest outfit ever? ‘Cause it is. Right down to the so-fantastic shoes.

    Sorry to be distracted from the croissant awesomeness. Just. So cute!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 2:18 pm (13 years ago)

      Aw, thank you Mary Beth!! My mom made that apron, can you believe it? She’s a superstar. I love it times a billion!

      Reply
  53. Tender Is the Bite
    October 12, 2010 at 11:03 am (13 years ago)

    Awesome! Making your own croissants is difficult but rewarding – and requires muscles to beat that butter down. Great idea for a how-to post. Voted!

    Reply
  54. Lynda...
    October 12, 2010 at 11:07 am (13 years ago)

    WOW! I’m impressed! As someone who regularly burns toast and has never even successfully cooked rice, your presentation had me feeling all empowered and made me want to head straight to the kitchen and go crazy on some dough. For as much as my children love croissants, I am seriously going to give this a shot!

    Oh, and good luck!! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 2:17 pm (13 years ago)

      YOU CAN DO IT, Lynda!! Just follow step by step! There’s nothing that goes wrong that a little flour (if the butter pokes through) or refrigeration (if anything gets gloppy) can’t fix!! πŸ™‚

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  55. Chris
    October 12, 2010 at 12:37 pm (13 years ago)

    Best post yet – full of life and fun. I think I could actually make these – nothing better than a fresh croissant! -chris

    Reply
  56. Crystal's Cozy Kitchen
    October 12, 2010 at 12:41 pm (13 years ago)

    I actually made croissants for the first time this year – great tutorial! I sent a little red heart your way – Good luck!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 2:15 pm (13 years ago)

      Thanks so much, Crystal — isn’t the process rewarding? I always feel like a rockstar (obviously) when I’m pulling them out of the oven!

      Reply
  57. Tiny Urban Kitchen
    October 12, 2010 at 1:16 pm (13 years ago)

    Great post! I love the random intermittent pictures of you throughout the process. And the tutorial is excellent.

    Reply
  58. Jeanne
    October 12, 2010 at 1:29 pm (13 years ago)

    Your croissants are so perfect! I am definitely up for this challenge. Fun post and I’m voting for you right now!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 2:14 pm (13 years ago)

      GO FOR IT, Jeanne!! I’d love to see your croissants!! Thank you so much for the vote!

      Reply
  59. Megan
    October 12, 2010 at 4:00 pm (13 years ago)

    Awesome post, Julie! Those step-by-step pictures are wonderful. As someone who has made croissants and puff pastry before, I know how difficult it must have been to stop the process and take pictures along the way.

    That picture of you on the couch is too funny!

    Great job!

    Reply
  60. Daily Spud
    October 12, 2010 at 4:54 pm (13 years ago)

    Masterful! Perhaps even I will make croissants someday (where someday is definitely after PFB is over πŸ™‚ )

    Reply
  61. riceandwheat
    October 12, 2010 at 5:33 pm (13 years ago)

    I’ve never tried making croissants myself but what a great photo tutorial to mark for future reference. This is a perfect recipe choice for this challenge because the photos help so much. Good luck this round!

    Reply
  62. Kashia
    October 12, 2010 at 6:20 pm (13 years ago)

    This pleases my heart πŸ™‚ I’m trying to conquer my fear of baking and croissants were going to be my next project. I was a bit intimidated but your phototutorial has eased my fear…slightly. You’ve got my vote and good luck!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 12, 2010 at 6:22 pm (13 years ago)

      You’ll be great, Kashia! Just give your board a good flourin’ and keep the fridge clear and ready! You can do it!! Can’t wait to see your end result πŸ™‚

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  63. Lisa
    October 12, 2010 at 8:12 pm (13 years ago)

    I don’t even know what’s better than a home-made croissant.

    Lisa.

    Reply
  64. Katrina
    October 12, 2010 at 8:29 pm (13 years ago)

    I could live a happy fulfilled life on croissants and various fillings. I loved this recipe and your blog looks amazing πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Reply
  65. Sally
    October 13, 2010 at 1:40 am (13 years ago)

    Sadly my first attempt at croissants failed dismally and ended up in the bin. I think it was due to the high temperatures outside here in the Middle East (although I had the a/c on Artic). I’m waiting for it to cool down to have another try and I’ll be visiting these brilliant step by step instructions to help me. Love the shot of you reclining on the sofa in high heels. And you got my vote – good luck.

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 13, 2010 at 10:34 am (13 years ago)

      So sorry the first attempt didn’t work out, Sally! Heat is definitely the enemy! Here’s hoping the second try is MUCH better πŸ™‚

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  66. wheelsandlollipops
    October 13, 2010 at 3:48 am (13 years ago)

    Bravo for making croissants. This is one thing I’ve never tried but then again living in the croissant capital makes it easier to buy than to make. They are delicious home made. Thanks for the easy to make instructions . Good Luck

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 13, 2010 at 10:33 am (13 years ago)

      Thank you! It would be hard to go through the effort when you could pop over and buy a great one πŸ™‚ So fun, though!

      Reply
  67. Whitney @ Amuse Bouche
    October 13, 2010 at 10:29 am (13 years ago)

    HAHA Julie, croissant dough? i love it! I can’t wait to meet you at foodbuzz fest, will you please bring some croissants though?

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 13, 2010 at 10:32 am (13 years ago)

      Excited to meet you too, Whitney πŸ˜€ I just may find a way to stuff some croissants into my suitcase πŸ˜‰

      Thank you!

      Reply
  68. Nads' Bakery
    October 13, 2010 at 12:41 pm (13 years ago)

    Yeah.. croissants from scratch is hard.. but sooo delicious! Great tutorial!!

    Reply
  69. Barbarian Table
    October 13, 2010 at 8:06 pm (13 years ago)

    beautiful! i now have a daily craving for fresh baked croissants. Fantastic job on the photologue! can’t wait to see whats next for challenge #5!

    Reply
  70. @lickmyspoon
    October 13, 2010 at 11:54 pm (13 years ago)

    This was such a cute, informative post (you don’t find those two adjectives in the same sentence often). I love your diagrams. Good luck this week, voting for you!

    Lick My Spoon

    Reply
  71. Heather @ He Cooks She Cooks
    October 14, 2010 at 8:38 am (13 years ago)

    YUM! I had voted on your post earlier in the week but didn’t realize I didn’t comment. Been a heck ova week I tell you. I bet a nice flaky croissant would be WONDERFUL as a pulled pork and melty cheese swammich huh? Perfect! Great job.

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 14, 2010 at 9:52 am (13 years ago)

      Thank you SO much Heather! I agree that that would be one heck of a sandwich!

      Reply
  72. Marianne @ Meal Mixer
    October 14, 2010 at 1:31 pm (13 years ago)

    Ok…you made it look approachable, and I even have teen-aged boys to eat them for me. But….do I really need to put $14 worth of butter in them? Because if they turn into little rocks I’m not gonna be happy…

    : )

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 14, 2010 at 3:28 pm (13 years ago)

      Ha, don’t worry! First off, only 3 sticks — so just a few dollars! Second off, I PROMISE it’s not difficult — just time-consuming. Make sure your house is cool, you have a fridge ready, and you have plenty of flour — I know it’ll be great! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  73. Anne P
    October 14, 2010 at 6:05 pm (13 years ago)

    Lol great post and great looking croissants! I want some! But I’d rather you make them for me πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  74. eataduckimust
    October 14, 2010 at 8:54 pm (13 years ago)

    i can eat a LOT of croissants all by myself, no need for a party =P thanks for this awesome tutorial!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 14, 2010 at 10:13 pm (13 years ago)

      The party is to showcase your greatness, of course! No one else gets to EAT any croissants, silly πŸ˜‰

      Thanks!

      Reply
  75. momgateway
    October 15, 2010 at 12:50 am (13 years ago)

    fabulous tutorial for such a difficult recipe!

    Reply
  76. Avanika (Yumsilicious Bakes)
    October 15, 2010 at 4:44 am (13 years ago)

    Awesome tutorial. I really need to get around to making puff pastry, I love it, but I’m scared!!

    P.S – What color KA is that? I’m trying to choose mine, the color choices are driving me crazy!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      October 15, 2010 at 6:37 am (13 years ago)

      Thank you, Avanika! The fridge is your best friend during the process — anytime things are looking iffy, you can just chill the dough and go from there πŸ™‚

      This KA is silver metallic — my family all pitched in to buy it for my birthday this year. So sweet! I didn’t know if I’d ever have one!

      Reply
  77. annabelle
    April 26, 2011 at 5:16 pm (13 years ago)

    I came across your blog today and IΒ΄m totally in awe. I just printed the recipe and will serously try to make the homemade croissants. Wish me luck

    Reply
    • annabelle
      April 26, 2011 at 5:18 pm (13 years ago)

      I have a question, do we need to proof the croissants? why is this step important?

      Reply
      • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
        April 26, 2011 at 5:21 pm (13 years ago)

        Hey Annabelle! I’m SO excited that you’re going to give them a shot — it’s so rewarding!!

        The proofing step is necessary because that’s when the yeast actually does it’s thing and leavens the bread (makes it rise). It’s why the final product has the right texture and is light and fluffy.

        I hope you’ll send a picture along when you’re finished — I’d love to see!!

        Reply
  78. ginger hillson
    February 11, 2012 at 7:56 pm (12 years ago)

    Right now making the beer bread for the cheese sandwiches…think I should give these a try too…One thing I noticed was your finger poking for the amt of turns you have done…saw that on tv too…hope I get to them soon…thanks , love your site… πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
      February 13, 2012 at 3:04 pm (12 years ago)

      Thank you! I hope you love the beer bread — and make these croissants soon! They make you feel so awesome πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  79. Dana
    May 4, 2012 at 2:30 am (12 years ago)

    Hi ~ I totally want to make your croissants for my daughter’s baptism, but want to make them in advance (or at least as much in advance as possible). Would you say they are just as good if I freeze them once they are completely baked and then thaw them the night before? Or do you have any other suggestions? Thanks so much! It is only a week away so they wouldn’t be in the freezer very long. Thank you!!!
    Dana

    Reply
  80. Smo
    April 23, 2013 at 4:00 am (11 years ago)

    Ok, here’s the deal …. I’m older, rich and I want to marry you!

    Please bring these cro-santie thing-r majigs …. thank you very much

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      April 23, 2013 at 4:12 am (11 years ago)

      That does not sound like a bad deal at all. LOL.

      Reply

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