Homemade Flaky Croissant Recipe

everything you need (only a few ingredients!)
ingredients
Unsalted Butter – For this recipe, I strongly encourage a good, quality butter for flavor, texture, and butterfat. I like to use a European unsalted butter. Though any unsalted butter you have will work.
Yeast – Instant yeast or Active Dry yeast work. If using Active yeast, you will need to ‘bloom’ it in the water for about 5 – 10 minutes – until it gets foamy.
All-Purpose Flour – I recommend all-purpose flour over bread flour because it will make the croissants super light. Bread flour has more protein which may result in a chewier croissant.
Granulated Sugar – A little sugar adds a little flavor.
Salt – Salt is great to balance and enhance flavors.
Milk – Whole or 2% work. We want the milk to have a little fat for this enriched dough.
Egg – The egg is used to brush on top of the croissants, to give them a golden and flaky exterior.
baking equipment
Stand Mixer – With the dough hook attachment.
Baking Sheets
Parchment Paper
Rolling Pin