January 30th marks an important day for all croissant lovers. That’s right, it’s National Croissant Day! This special holiday celebrates the classic French pastry that has become a beloved staple in bakeries and homes across the world. However, this isn’t just a day to indulge in some delicious pastries. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the croissant and gain some insight into its current popularity in the United States. In this blog post, we will examine the origins of National Croissant Day, explore the various types of croissants available today, and provide tips on how you can get creative with them in your own kitchen. So grab your rolling pin and let’s get started!
What is a Croissant?
A croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry that originates from France. They are made from a dough that is rolled and folded multiple times to create layers of butter in between the dough. Croissants are typically shaped into a crescent moon shape and can be served plain or filled with various sweet or savory fillings.
The History of the Croissant
The croissant has a long and complicated history that is steeped in legend and lore. The pastry was supposedly created in the 13th century to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Turks at the Battle of Vienna. The crescent-shaped pastry was said to resemble the Turkish flag, and thus became a symbol of victory over the invaders.
The first recorded mention of the croissant in France dates back to 1686, when it was described as a “Biscuit à la cuiller” (literally, “spoon biscuit”). The earliest known recipe for what we would now recognize as a croissant can be found in an 1839 French cookbook. This recipe called for layering puff pastry with butter, rolling it out, folding it over, and then repeating this process several times before baking.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the croissant really began to take off in popularity. In 1910, Austrian baker August Zang introduced his version of the pastry to Parisian cafés, where it quickly became a hit with customers. By 1920, most of Paris’ top bakeries were selling some form of the flaky breakfast treat.
Today, the croissant is enjoyed all over the world and has become one of America’s favorite breakfast pastries. Whether you like your croissants plain or filled with chocolate, there’s no denying that this delicious pastry is here to stay!
How to Make Croissants
Croissants are a type of French pastry that is made from dough that is rolled and shaped into a crescent shape. The dough is then filled with either a sweet or savory filling, such as chocolate, jam, or cheese. Croissants are typically served for breakfast or as a snack.
To make croissants, you will need:
-1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
-1 cup milk
-1 tablespoon sugar
-1 teaspoon salt
-2 tablespoons active dry yeast
-4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
-1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, milk, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are combined. With the mixer still on low, add the flour gradually until it is fully incorporated and the dough comes together.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes to form a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness
Croissant Recipes
When it comes to finding the perfect croissant recipe, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, what kind of flour are you using? All-purpose flour will work fine, but if you want a lighter, flakier croissant, you can use bread flour.
Next, consider the butter. Croissants are made with lots of butter, so it’s important to use a good quality butter that’s well-chilled. You’ll also need to be careful not to overwork the dough, or else the croissants will be tough.
Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Classic Croissants: These croissants are made with all-purpose flour and require no special skills or techniques. They’re perfect for beginners!
Pain au Chocolat Croissants: If you’re craving something chocolatey, these croissants filled with dark chocolate will hit the spot.
Almond Croissants: These delicate croissants are filled with almond paste and dusted with powdered sugar. They make a wonderful breakfast or snack!
Conclusion
National Croissant Day on January 30th every year is a great excuse to celebrate one of the most delicious pastries in the world. While everyone enjoys croissants for different reasons, we can all agree that this flaky and buttery French treat is something special that deserves its own dedicated day. Whether you plan on baking your own or stopping by your favorite bakery to indulge, be sure to celebrate National Croissant Day with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 30 | Monday |
| 2024 | January 30 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | January 30 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 30 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 30 | Saturday |
