Easy Whole Wheat Croissants
Easy homemade croissants recipe with whole wheat flour and reduced fat. Step-by-step guide for flaky, golden pastries perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 12 ounces cold unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of ground cardamom
Instructions
- 1
Combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Pour the warmed milk, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, adding flour sparingly if needed.
- 4
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm but still pliable.
- 5
Roll the cold dough on a floured surface into a 12x16-inch rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick, keeping the edges as straight as possible.
- 6
Arrange the cold butter pats evenly across the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- 7
Fold the dough like a letter by bringing the top third down over the center, then folding the bottom third up and over to create three layers, then wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- 8
Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, rotating the dough 90 degrees before each fold and chilling for 20 minutes between folds.
- 9
After the final fold, roll the chilled dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle and cut it into 8 triangle pieces with a sharp knife.
- 10
Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll it tightly toward the point while curving the ends slightly to create a crescent shape.
- 11
Place the shaped croissants on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced 3 inches apart and cover with a damp kitchen towel.
- 12
Allow the croissants to proof at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until they become puffy and increase in size by about 50 percent.
- 13
Preheat your oven to 400°F about 20 minutes before baking is scheduled to begin.
- 14
Brush each croissant generously with the egg wash and sprinkle lightly with the ground cardamom if desired for added flavor.
- 15
Bake the croissants for 18 to 22 minutes until they achieve a deep golden-brown color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 16
Transfer the baked croissants to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| all-purpose flour | half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour | increases fiber content and adds nutty flavor while improving blood sugar stability |
| unsalted butter (12 ounces) | combination of 8 ounces unsalted butter and 4 ounces coconut oil | reduces saturated fat while maintaining flakiness and reducing inflammation markers |
| granulated sugar | coconut sugar or maple syrup (2 tablespoons) | provides lower glycemic impact and adds minerals like potassium and magnesium |
| whole milk | unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | reduces calories and saturated fat while maintaining moisture in the dough |
| standard recipe | add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed into milk | adds omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber for improved gut health |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 8)
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 48mg |
| Sodium | 345mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 8g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
