Matcha Croissants

Trips to the gym, calorie counting, eating plenty of veggies…before the new year officially begins, I thought I’d give you a final hoorah, something to cap off the holidays with a bang. There has to be a good reason for making croissants, as they certainly aren’t your everyday kind of bread roll. I make these babies once in a blue moon, and celebrating the end of 2014 is a good enough reason for me. Making croissants requires time, patience, and a gentle touch. And, as any baker who has made croissants before knows, the frigid December air makes the process that much easier.

The first time I made croissants was in pastry school. I remember the day clearly as it was one of the main reasons I enrolled in classes. It’s a good thing I did too, because croissant making is really hard to learn from text, and even harder to explain. The process of creating a laminated dough can be thrilling for a baking enthusiast, but only if you feel like it’s something you can learn without getting overwhelmed.

There’s one simple addition that makes a croissant go from pale butter yellow to earthy leaf green, and that’s a good quality matcha powder. The matcha gets incorporated into the flour-based part of the croissant dough or dètrempe, not the beurrage, or butter block.

One full recipe of this dough makes 32 crispy, flakey mini matcha croissants. If you like variety, then divide the dough up to make both regular (16) and chocolate croissants (12), which are a bit larger than the plain kind. If you want to enjoy every croissant fresh out of the oven, you can easily freeze the croissants after shaping them. Simply freeze them after they are parked on the baking sheet. When they’ve hardened, place them in airtight bags in the freezer so that you can bake them up whenever you’re in need of a tea break.

The matcha actually makes the croissants taste more savory, so these are ideal for creating tea sandwiches like smoked salmon or turkey tarragon. My favorite way to enjoy these matcha croissants is plain and simple, with a dab of some sour raspberry jam and a cup of light, frothy matcha on the side. Serve them for New Year’s brunch as a delicate and decadent way to finish off the holiday season.

Matcha Croissants

Makes 32 plain or 16 plain & 12 chocolate.

Ingredients:

{Dough- Dètrempe}

1/2 cup water, warm for activating yeast

1 Tbsp active dry yeast

3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour

3 Tbsp matcha powder (I used Mizuba Matcha)

1/3 cup sugar

1 Tbsp salt

1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

bench flour

egg wash, one egg beaten with 1 tsp of water

{Butter- Beurrage}

12 oz butter, slightly colder than room temperature (stiff but not hard to the touch)

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

{Extras}

semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment:

small bowl

stand mixer with large bowl and dough and paddle attachments

plastic wrap

large plastic zip bag

large work surface

rolling-pin

pastry brush

sharp knife

18″ ruler

2 large baking sheets, fitted with parchment paper

Directions:

1.)  In a small bowl, combine yeast with warm water. Set this aside for a few moments to activate the yeast. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with dough attachment, add the proofed yeast mixture and 1 cup of milk. With the mixer on low, gradually add 3 1/2 cups of flour, matcha, sugar, and salt. Mix for 1-2 minutes until a soft dough is formed. If the dough looks too moist and is sticking to the bottom of the bowl, add 1 Tbsp of flour at a time until the dough doesn’t stick to the bottom of the bowl. You may need to add up to a total of 4 cups of flour. Set the mixer to high and mix the dough until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. This should take about 4 minutes. The dough should be the consistency of soft butter.

2.)  Cover the dough with plastic wrap completely, then place it into a large plastic zip bag and seal tightly. Leave at room temperature to sit for 30 minutes to allow for the gluten to relax.

3.)  To make the butter block, clean the now used/empty mixing bowl, then attach the paddle attachment to the stand mixer. Beat the butter and flour on high speed until you get a smooth consistency similar to the croissant dough you just made. Make sure there aren’t any lumps. If there are, smash them out with your fingers. Place this butter-flour mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap and cover completely.

4.)  With your hands, mold the plastic covered butter into a rectangle that is 5″ by 6″, and about 1″ thick. Try to slap out any air from the butter block. Place in the fridge to chill until needed.

5.)  On a lightly floured work surface, roll the croissant dough to a rectangle 10″ by 16″. Brush off any excess flour from the dough’s surface with the pastry brush. Place the chilled butter block into the center of the rectangle, with the short side of the butter facing the long side of the dough.

6.)  Start to make brochure-like folds by first folding in the left side over the butter block. Again, brush off any excess flour with the pastry brush.
7.)  Now fold the right side of the dough over the center to create a brochure looking dough package. Again, brush off any excess flour.

8.)  Rotate the dough package 90 degrees to the right. Use the rolling-pin to lightly press the dough into a 10″ by 16″ rectangle again. Be gentle, patient, and kind to the dough. Press the rolling-pin down to make impressions rather than using a strong rolling motion. Try not to roll over the edges as that may cause the butter to leak out.

9.)  When you achieve an 10″ by 16″ rectangle again, fold the left and right sides in towards the center, to create a 3 layered brochure again. This is your first turn, hence you can place one finger impression in the dough (I placed in upper right). Now cover the dough with plastic wrap, then place this brochure-like rectangle into the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this process 3 more times for a total of 4 turns, covering the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerating for 30 minutes in between each turn.
matcha croissants 1510.)  After 4 turns, make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes again.

matcha croissants 16

11.) Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Each piece gets rolled into a 7″ by 18″ rectangle. Work with one piece at a time, refrigerating the other pieces until you are ready for them. matcha croissants 1712.) Roll one piece of the dough into a 7″ by 18″ rectangle, trimming off sides with a sharp knife to create clean edges. Mark the dough every 2 inches using a ruler and knife. Cut lines connecting the marks to create 8 full triangles (and two-half triangle scraps at each end).

13.)  For each triangle, score the center of the base about 3/4″ in to create an Eiffel Tower looking piece of dough.

14.)  Roll the base of the Eiffel Tower up towards the tip to create a finished croissant. Push the ends in to create a crescent shape. Make sure the tip is tucked under so that it doesn’t puff up during baking.

15.)  Place the finished croissants (8 to a pan) on a large, parchment lined baking sheet. Uncovered, let them proof for about 2 hours at room temperature. When ready, brush with egg wash, then bake in a pre-heated 350 degree F oven for 12-15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Repeat steps 12-15 to make another set of plain matcha croissants.

16.)  To make chocolate croissants, roll a piece of dough out (from step 11), again into a into a 7″ by 18″ rectangle, trimming off sides with a sharp knife to create clean edges. On the top and bottom of the long sides of the dough, mark the dough every 3 inches using a ruler and knife. Cut lines connecting the marks to create 6 long rectangles.

17.)  Place some chocolate chips at the bottom of one rectangular dough piece. Roll it up in a sushi roll like fashion, sealing the top edge with a brush of egg wash.

18.)  Place the chocolate croissants (6 to a pan) seam side down on a large, parchment lined baking sheet. Use the palm of your hand to slightly smash the roll down so that it lays like a pillow. Uncovered, let them proof for about 2 hours at room temperature. When ready, brush with egg wash then bake in a pre-heated 350 degree F oven for 12-15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Repeat steps 16-18 for another set of chocolate matcha croissants.

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Sue

BONNIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am currently on my 2nd honeymoon at the Ritz Carlton sitting in front of a fire and watching surfers . . . that’s the view from our room . . . and yet I am considering driving up to LA and stalking you for a dozen of these croissants. You are completely amazing, this is an absolutely stunning preparation and I’m sure delicious. BRAVO! I want to meet you soon and will be praying for a croissant!!!

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Bonnie Eng

Oooo, 2nd honeymoon at the Ritz, Sue…how splendid!! Let’s totally meet up soon! We’ll exchange pies for croissants…sounds like a fair deal to me! 😉

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eclecticoddsnsods

Wow wow wow omg, matcha croissants????? I nearly fainted…OMG why are you not here in the UK it is a crime!!!!!! I simply cannot believe you made these with matcha, I am stunned yet again, I am not even going to try to make these would be a complete waste of good ingredients as I would make a complete mess of it lol, erm booked your ticket to the UK yet? lolol xx

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Bonnie Eng

YES! I so need to book that ticket soon Justine! 😉 These certainly are a bit of a project, but so worth it as matcha croissants are so hard to find. Thanks dear, you are really making me want to book a trip soon! Looking forward to the next tea time!

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Lan | morestomach

croissants is something that has been on my list of things to make. this winter it’s all about the challah for us here, but i think a strong argument could be made for croissants, of the green or plain variety.

what a a gorgeous way to start the new year, i love the idea of stuffing them with smoked salmon and serving them at brunch.

happy new year!

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Bonnie Eng

Brunch is my favorite meal ever…challah, croissants, smoked salmon…wouldn’t that be a gorgeous spread? Happy New Year to you too Lan!

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Chaya

Bonnie! This is insane! Matcha croissants?! They are such a stunning color (especially against the marble) and the flakiness in that croissant section looks divine!! I make croissants every so often (to the major delight of my family) and I want to do so again now! And I didn’t know you went to pastry school! That’s been my dream for, like, ever! Which school did you go to? And was it a very rigurous schedule? I want to know all about it!!

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Bonnie Eng

Haha, my sister said the color was a bit puzzling, but matcha treats always look that way! I bet your croissants are beautiful, just as the rest of your baked creations are. I went to pastry school at the New School of Cooking in West Los Angeles. It was an evening class for people with already occupied day schedules. Where do you live Chaya? I bet you would LOVE pastry school. It’s obvious that you already have a lot of knowledge, so if you do go it’ll be all about learning little tips and tricks. 😉 Do it Chaya…I know you will love it!

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Chaya

I live in NY, so there’s no shortage of pastry schools near me, including kosher ones (so I can taste my food!). The only thing holding me back from going is that a career in food would be difficult and usually has long hours…otherwise, I know I’d just love it!

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Jess

I’m so impressed with these Bonnie. Real, authentic croissants is something I’ve never been brave enough to try myself. All those layers to roll out and fold- I’m scared I’l mess it up lol

I had no IDEA you went to pastry school- how AWESOME is that? No wonder these looks so perfect, you really know what you’re doing 😉

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Bonnie Eng

You could totally make these happen Jess…I’ve seen your beautiful creations before so I know you can do these. 🙂 And yes, pastry school was so eye-opening! It’s also thrilling to be in a room with people as obsessed with baking and food as you are! Happy early New Year’s girl! 😉

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Bonnie Eng

Hahaha…that’s exactly what my sister said…she was puzzled that they were green! Thank you, I had a great Christmas but very much looking forward to 2015!

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Maggie | Omnivore's Cookbook

These croissants are amazing! I’ve been doing some research on homemade croissant but didn’t have the courage to try out yet. I’m glad to find your recipe is actually easier than the average and the step-by-step pictures are really helpful. I love the chocolate one and will try it out first! 🙂

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Bonnie Eng

Thank you so much June! It’s amazing how many ways matcha can be added to a standard recipe to make an extraordinary one. So glad you enjoyed! 😉

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Bonnie Eng

Thank you so much! The pictures are helpful for me to refer back to too. They are a reminder that making croissants isn’t as impossible as it may seem. 🙂

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shootingvienna

Those look perfect Bonnie! I understand that with all the steps and time those croissants need you don’t make them often but they do look like from a pro 😉

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Bonnie Eng

Aww, thanks Beatrice. I’m not a pro, I just happen to be obsessed with tea and baking! And yea, I took lots of photos because making croissants only happens for me once in a blue moon. 😉

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Q

Hi Bonnie,

Can I use instant rising yeast and would there be any modification to the recipe or procedure?

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Bonnie Eng

Hey Q! No need to adjust, just use the amount stated in the recipe…I love using SAF yeast! If it’s cold where you live, still go ahead and use the warm water…it’s my little trick for getting the yeast to get going even though SAF yeast doesn’t technically require it. Thanks for stopping by Q! 🙂

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chilinhtran

Omg, I just discovered your blog following the smell of matcha and this is one of the best finds on WordPress ever ! I would cancel my diet for this matcha croissant !

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Nightingale

I’m sitting here waiting to do turn 2! Thank you for sharing the technique in such easy to follow photos and directions. When you freeze them do you proof them when you take them out to bake?

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Bonnie Eng

Oh, fantastic…so glad to hear! 🙂 So if you do freeze them (after shaping), you have two options. For best results, I would suggest taking them out of the freezer to thaw for 8 hours in the fridge (overnight, if you want the croissants in the morning) before baking. Alternatively, you could let them thaw out at room temp for at least a half hour before baking, which will yield good yet “less poufy” results. Hope this helps, and hope they turn out fabulous! 😉

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3 Leaf Tea

These sound amazing! Not sure if you ever thought of it but my website offers flavored matcha. You could turn those croissants into a delicious coconut flavored matcha croissant, raspberry, practically anything!

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Lately | Mikey's In My Kitchen

[…] I love things that are bold and at times over the top. I’m not afraid to wear super ugly things, it is actually somewhat of a hobby. When it comes to workout clothes I usually stick to black (it’s slimming, duh). But I really really love these leggings. I love them because they are creepy and amazing. Plus, when I read about them I felt empowered. These tights literally show what women are made of. Strong, beautiful and tough bones. Yeah, yeah. I’m on a croissant kick. These are a fun twist on a typical croissant, plus their green! Matcha powder is a fun ingredient to play with as well as a delicious one. You could also use these to make fun looking caterpillar croissants or little monster faces (the list is endless). These are filled with chocolate but you could also put some jam, white chocolate or Nutella and nuts! Either way, someone will be impressed if you make them some Matcha Croissants! […]

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Anna Roberts

Hi Bonnie! I’d love to include one of these photos in a matcha tea recipe roundup! Would you email me so we could discuss further? Thank you 🙂

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Dennie

I want to make these for a bake sale but it’s in the middle of the week and i can only make them on the weekend. So i plan to freeze them and pop them into the oven the morning of.
After i shape them, do i proof them for 2 hours and THEN put them into the freezer? Or do they proof as they thaw?
Thanks for sharing this recipe!!

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greenhoodiesformen.com

Howdy! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4.

I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!

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Michelle

Hello! Do you think I would be able to half or quarter the recipe without changing the consistency of the croissants? I really want to try it but I think 32 will be too much and I have no space in my freezer!

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Maggie

Hi Bonnie, I was wondering if there are any substitutes you would suggest (and at what ratio) for the whole milk?

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Bonnie Eng

Hi Maggie! You know, I honestly haven’t tried making croissant with anything other than whole milk. Are you allergic? I only ask because, of all the butter that’s involved. I’m thinking that you could try almond milk as long as you find one that is similar to the thickness and consistency of whole milk. Hope this helps! 🙂

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Becky

Thanks for sharing your recipe. We can save some dough to the freezer, so that we can have the croissants whenever we want.
Do we need to wait the frozen dough into room temperature OR we can just take it out from freezer and bake it right away? Thanks

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