Homemade Starbucks-Inspired Apple Croissants
Ingredients
For the Croissant Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, for laminating)
- ¾ cup warm milk
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Glaze:
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add warm milk gradually and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 2: Laminate the Dough
- Roll the dough into a rectangle. Place cold butter (flattened into a thin square) in the center. Fold the dough over the butter, sealing the edges.
- Roll out and fold the dough into thirds. Repeat the process three times, refrigerating for 30 minutes between folds.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
- Heat butter in a skillet. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until softened and caramelized.
- Stir in vanilla extract and cornstarch if needed. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Croissants
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle and cut into triangles.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling near the base of each triangle. Roll tightly from base to tip.
- Arrange croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Proof and Bake
- Let the croissants rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush croissants with egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.