If you're a fan of croissants, today is your lucky day. National Croissant Day is celebrated annually on January 30th.
This delicious pastry can be traced back to early 19th-century France, where it was first created. Croissants are made from a blitz puff pastry dough that is rolled and folded multiple times to create its signature flaky pastry layers. The finished product is then baked until golden brown and crispy.
A good croissant should be light and airy with a flaky crust - and of course, super buttery. If there's ever a day of the year, today on national croissant day is the day to enjoy this special pastry.
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📜 History of National Croissant Day
Every year on January 30 National Croissant Day is celebrated across the nation. This day pays homage to the French pastry that has been enjoyed around the world for hundreds of years.
Although the exact origins of this holiday are unknown, likely, food enthusiasts everywhere rallied together to create this day of commemoration to recognize and appreciate this traditional treat.
Although croissants are associated with French culture, there is evidence that some form of a ‘croissant-like’ puff pastry existed in Vienna prior to these becoming popular in Paris.
For centuries, bakers have adapted recipes and techniques to make croissants an enjoyable culinary experience that stands out from other everyday baked goods.
Celebrating National Croissant Day each year is an opportunity to remember its fascinating history while taking time out to savor one or several delicious croissants.
🥐 What Is A Croissant?
A Croissant is a delicious french specialty crescent-shaped buttery pastry originating from Austria under the name “kipferls.” It has a flaky texture and is made with butter, flour, yeast, salt, and water. It can be savory or sweet, depending on the ingredients added to the dough.
Depending on where you are, it might also be known as a Vienna roll or crescent roll, which is essentially the same thing.
The croissant first appeared in 1683 during the siege of Vienna by the ottoman empire Turks. As legend has it, the bakers of Vienna were up early one morning and heard strange noises coming from below.
They soon realized that Turkish miners were attempting to tunnel into the city. In honor of their clever discovery, the bakers crafted an iconic pastry resembling a crescent moon (the predominant symbol of the Ottomans) to celebrate their victory over their oppressors.
Since then, this pastry has been known as a croissant and can be found worldwide today.
Marie Antoinette first introduced this Austrian pastry to France french bakers when she married into the royal family.
Croissants can be served in a variety of ways, from being used as the base for breakfast sandwiches like eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce to holding delicious fillings such as jams or even ice cream.
📌 Origins of the Croissant
Although croissants are beloved around the world, their origins trace back to Austria. An Austrian soldier came up with the original idea of folding dough similarly to a shape of a crescent moon and created what we now know as a delectable buttery and flaky crescent shaped pastry.
Over time, modifications were made, such as adding chocolate or fillings like ham and cheese. Traditionally, croissants would only be eaten for breakfast in France, but it has become much more versatile in other countries.
Today, local bakeries make dozens of variations of the classic treat that have been influenced by different cultures around the globe.
🎉 Celebrate National Croissant Day
National Croissant Day is a yearly celebration that allows us to appreciate and enjoy one of the most delicious and versatile pastries. It’s the perfect opportunity to try a unique croissant recipe or make your own.
🥖 How To Make Croissants At Home
Making croissants at home can be a delectable and rewarding experience. All you need to get started are a few basic ingredients like flour, yeast, butter, and salt.
Gather Your Ingredients
The most important ingredients for making croissants are flour, butter, salt, yeast, sugar, and milk. You may also want to grab an egg to help with the glaze.
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start baking so that you don’t run out of anything mid-recipe.
Mix the Dough
- Combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl until everything is mixed together evenly. In another bowl, combine warm milk and melted butter until it forms a paste.
- Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together until it becomes a ball of dough. Knead this dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic then wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for one hour or until doubled in size.
- After one hour has passed, knead your dough again before rolling it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18x18 inch square that is about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut this square into nine smaller squares using either a pizza cutter or knife then brush each piece lightly with melted butter before folding them diagonally into triangles (like folding up a business letter).
- Starting from the base of the triangle, roll each piece up towards its point then roll each triangle slightly back so that its point extends beyond its base.
- Place the rolls onto parchment paper lined baking sheets at least two inches apart from each other then cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them sit for 30 minutes before glazing them with an egg wash (combine one egg with 1 tablespoon of water).
- Bake them for 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or until golden brown.
🎥 Watch How To Make Croissants
Conclusion
National Croissant Day is a food holiday that celebrates one of the most delicious pastries in the world. A croissant is a flaky, buttery bread that can be enjoyed plain or filled with various sweet or savory ingredients.
While they may seem complicated to make, with a bit of practice, anyone can create their own croissants at home. Whether you celebrate National Croissant Day by eating out at your favorite bakery or making your own croissants from scratch, be sure to enjoy this delicious treat.
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