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Flaky Sourdough Croissants on white napkin with water, clean and warm setup
Chef

Flaky Sourdough Croissants: Perfect Homemade Layers Every Time

Enjoy flaky, buttery sourdough croissants made over two days with traditional lamination techniques. These homemade croissants deliver a crispy exterior, delicate layered crumb, and a rich, satisfying flavor that rivals any Parisian bakery.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 day 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 small(ish) croissants
Calories: 343

Ingredients
  

  • For Détrempé:
  • 450 g strong white flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 40 g caster sugar
  • 130 ml water
  • 90 ml milk
  • 150 g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 50 g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • For Lamination:
  • 250 g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • For Egg Wash:
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk (or double cream)

Method
 

  1. Day 1: Feed your sourdough starter in the morning and let it double in size in a warm spot (4 hours at 20-22°C). If needed, feed again to ensure activity. To make Détrempé, combine flour, salt, sugar, water, milk, and active starter in a stand mixer with dough hook. Knead for 5 minutes on medium speed until a rough ball forms. Rest dough for 15 minutes. Add 50 g room temperature butter gradually, kneading for 8-10 minutes until smooth and not sticky. Shape into a ball, slash a cross on top, place in greased bowl, cover, and bulk prove 4 hours at 21-23°C until dough rises 1.5 times. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to complete proofing and double size. For Lamination, soften butter and shape into an 18x18cm square wrapped in baking parchment; chill until firm. Roll dough on floured surface into 28x28cm square, place butter square diagonally in center, fold edges to enclose forming 20x20cm parcel; pinch edges and freeze 10 minutes. Roll parcel into 50x20cm rectangle, trim edges, fold like a letter by thirds, wrap, freeze 15 minutes, then fridge 1 hour. Repeat rolling and folding process two more times, freezing 15 minutes and chilling 1 hour after the second fold, and chilling at least 6 hours (or overnight) after the third fold. Day 2: Roll dough to 60x28cm rectangle and cut into 12 triangles. Make a small cut at base of each triangle, stretch slightly, roll from base to tip, and shape into crescents. Place on parchment-lined trays spaced apart, cover loosely with oiled cling film, and proof for 4-5 hours at 21-23°C until puffy with visible layers. Optionally create humid environment with hot water in oven to prevent skin. Chill croissants in fridge 20 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 190°C fan. Brush croissants gently with egg yolk and milk wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool at least 15 minutes before serving for best taste.

Notes

To freeze unbaked croissants, freeze shaped and proofed croissants on tray for 2 hours until solid, then store in ziplock bags. Bake from frozen at 190°C fan for 25-30 minutes, cool 5-10 minutes before serving. To freeze baked croissants, cool completely then store in airtight containers. Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour, then reheat at 170°C fan for 4-5 minutes.