Flaky Butter Croissants

STEP 1

Combine butter and 1/3 cup flour in bowl; beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.

STEP 2

Line baking sheet with waxed paper. Spread butter mixture into 12x6-inch rectangle on waxed paper. Place another piece of waxed paper over butter mixture. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm.

STEP 3

Combine milk, sugar and salt in 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat 4-5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Cool to lukewarm (105°F to 115°F).

STEP 4

Place warm water and yeast in bowl; stir until dissolved. Add cooled milk mixture, 2 cups flour and egg. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.

STEP 5

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface; knead about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.

STEP 6

Roll dough into 14-inch square. Place chilled butter mixture onto one-half of dough. Fold over other half of dough; seal edges. Roll into 21x12-inch rectangle. Fold into thirds; seal edges. Cover with plastic food wrap; refrigerate 1 hour. Repeat rolling and folding dough 3 times. Cover; refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.

STEP 7

Roll out dough into 24x14-inch rectangle. Cut rectangle in half lengthwise; cut into 6 even sections, making 12 (7x4-inch) squares. Cut each square diagonally, making 24 triangles. Roll up each triangle loosely, starting from wide edge. Place point down onto greased baking sheets; curve ends. Cover; let rise about 30 minutes or until double in size.

STEP 8

Heat oven to 375°F.

STEP 9

Beat egg yolk and water in bowl; brush over croissants. Bake 13-16 minutes or until golden brown.