Honey Butter Croissants from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen feature flaky, golden croissants brushed with sweet honey butter, delivering a warm, buttery aroma and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Bench scraper
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for dough)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, for laminating)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, for honey butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (for honey butter)
When preparing Honey Butter Croissants, using cold unsalted butter for laminating is crucial to achieve the flaky layers and tender texture typical of classic croissants. Ensure the active dry yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm whole milk to help your dough rise effectively. Measuring ingredients precisely with proper tools like measuring cups and spoons will maintain the balance between sweetness and buttery richness. The honey butter glaze, made with melted unsalted butter and honey, should be brushed on while the croissants are warm to maximize flavor absorption. Your homemade Honey Butter Croissants from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen copycat menu will mirror the restaurant's signature flaky, sweet, and buttery finish when these tips are followed.
Instructions
- Warm milk to 110°F.
- In stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, 1/2 cup softened butter, salt, and flour.
- Mix with dough hook until a smooth, elastic dough forms (5–7 minutes).
- Transfer dough to greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled (1–2 hours).
- Punch down dough and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Prepare cold butter for laminating: shape 1 cup butter into a 7x7-inch square between parchment paper; chill until firm.
- On floured surface, roll dough into a 10x10-inch square.
- Place cold butter square in the center at a diagonal.
- Fold corners of dough over butter, enclosing it completely.
- Roll dough into a 20x10-inch rectangle.
- Fold dough into thirds (like a letter).
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap; chill 30 minutes.
- Repeat rolling and folding process two more times, chilling 30 minutes between each fold.
- After final chill, roll dough into a 20x10-inch rectangle.
- Cut dough into triangles with a bench scraper.
- Roll each triangle up from the wide end to form croissants.
- Arrange croissants on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap; let rise until puffy (45–60 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake croissants 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- In saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter; whisk in 1/4 cup honey to make honey butter.
- Immediately brush hot croissants with honey butter using pastry brush.
- Cool croissants slightly on cooling rack before serving.
Substitution
Honey Butter Croissants from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen copycat menu deliver a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by a sweet honey butter glaze. If whole milk is unavailable, you can substitute with 2% milk or a plant-based milk like oat milk for a similar texture. Cold butter is crucial during the laminating process to achieve flaky layers, so avoid using softened butter in that step. When brushing with honey butter, ensure the croissants have cooled slightly to prevent melting the glaze and losing its glossy finish. Your croissants will have a tender crumb and a golden crust, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Tips
Ensure your milk is precisely warmed to 110degF to activate yeast without killing it, which is crucial for dough rise. Use cold butter for laminating and keep it firm, preventing it from melting into the dough during rolling and folding; this creates distinct flaky layers in your croissants. When rolling and folding the dough, maintain consistent sizes to promote even layers and a uniform texture. After baking, brush your fresh croissants immediately with the honey butter to allow the glaze to soak in, enhancing both flavor and shine.
Nutritions
Honey Butter Croissants from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen provide a rich source of carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour, essential for energy. The generous amount of unsalted butter contributes significant saturated fats, which help create the croissant's tender, flaky texture but should be consumed in moderation. Eggs add protein and vital nutrients like vitamin D and choline, supporting your body's overall function. Honey enhances the flavor with natural sugars, though your intake should be balanced to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Storage
Store your honey butter croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their flaky texture and buttery flavor. For longer storage, wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven at 350degF for 5-7 minutes to restore a fresh-baked taste. Avoid refrigerating croissants as it can cause the butter layers to harden and the texture to become less tender.
Variation or Alternatives
For a different flavor profile, consider substituting the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup brown sugar to add a subtle molasses note to your croissants. You can also experiment with incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom into the flour mixture to enhance the warmth of your pastry. If you prefer a richer laminated texture, try replacing half of the 1 cup cold butter used for laminating with high-quality European-style butter, known for its higher fat content. Your croissants will maintain their flaky layers while gaining a more pronounced buttery aroma.
Allergies
Honey Butter Croissants contain common allergens such as wheat, dairy, and eggs, which may pose a risk if you have sensitivities to gluten, lactose, or egg proteins. The use of butter and milk introduces dairy allergens, while the flour contains gluten that can trigger reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Be cautious if you have allergies to any of these ingredients to avoid adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Honey Butter Croissants from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen are celebrated for their flaky, buttery layers combined with a rich honey glaze that offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The croissants deliver a warm, comforting texture that enhances the dining experience, making them a favorite indulgence for many. You will appreciate the opportunity to recreate this beloved menu item at home, allowing you to savor the fresh, decadent taste without waiting in line. Mastering the copycat recipe also means you can enjoy a bakery-quality treat anytime, tailored to your freshness and sweetness preferences.