Frequently Asked Questions About Croissants

Does the thought of biting into a buttery fresh croissant in Vaughan make you want to run to the nearest artisanal bakery? Have you ever thought about the time, effort, and passion that goes into making these delectable French pastries?

Years ago, television shows and big screen movies portrayed croissants as breakfast staples among the rich and famous. Thankfully, now these flaky pastries can be accessed in local bakeries, stores, and straight from your very own kitchen!

Why Is It Called “Croissant”?

The crescent-shaped pastry is formed with layers of buttered dough appropriately folded and rolled several times to prepare for the prebaked laminated process. Most history books date the croissant as far back as the 13th century in Germany. The name originates from the German word “kipferl” or crescent. 

There are also many other legends about the origin of this flaky pastry including the belief that a 17th century baker designed crescent-shaped pastry in recognition of the symbol of Islam. It was believed to have been created to observe the failed attempt of foreign forces to overtake Vienna in 1683. 

How Do You Make Croissants?

The simplicity of a croissant begins and ends with the look and taste of the pastry. Making a croissant is actually a lot more complex than people realize. The basic process involves mixing the ingredients (butter, flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and milk) to make the dough. The dough must then be rolled in preparation for layering with butter several times. After numerous “resting” times between layering, the dough is then shaped and baked. Most bakers perform the recipe over a two-day span. 

Can You Freeze Croissants?

While some people believe the best tasting pastries are never frozen, the dough can be frozen before it is baked. Unbaked croissants can be placed in the freezer for up to 12 weeks while pre-proofed and baked croissants can be frozen for a maximum of six months. 

How Many Calories Are in a Croissant?

The number of calories is dependent on the type of filling, the flavour, and the brand as homemade pastries do not have the processed substances that manufactured croissants do. Some types have up to 500 calories per croissant. For calorie counters, a basic buttery croissant of a serving size of 2.4 ounce has approximately 280 calories. 

Are Croissants Healthy?

Not all tasty pastries are unhealthy. Croissants in Vaughan may taste too good to be true but in actual fact, they are full of B Complex vitamins, Folate, and Niacin which enhance a person’s metabolic function. 

Do Croissants Have Eggs?

Traditional croissants do not contain eggs as they are made with flour, sugar, salt, dry yeast, milk, water, and butter. Gluten-free croissant recipes DO call for the use of eggs. 

How Can You Keep Croissants Fresh?

If you are lucky to have enough croissants to enjoy for another time, you can store them in an air-tight container for a few days. Storing in a freezer is another option but they will need to be placed in the oven frozen for several minutes to retain the almost “fresh baked” taste. 

Are Croissants Gluten-Free?

Croissants are not gluten-free as wheat-based flour is needed for the dough. Gluten-free croissants can be prepared with use of gluten-free pastry flour and by adding an egg to the dough mixture. 

How Long Does It Take to Cook Croissants?

While the preparation of the croissant dough can take up to two days, the cooking time is much less. For the best results, preheat the oven for 30 minutes before baking. There are two basic cooking methods. Bake for 30 minutes at an oven temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit or for 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then for another 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What Can You Put on a Croissant?

Croissants are one of those pastries that are delicious on their own AND with add-ons such as fruit, meat, cheese, and spreads. The choice is up to the eater! Choose from sweet toppings like Nutella, strawberry jam, cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce, or pastry cream. A croissant can also be used as a substitute for bread for a variety of sandwiches. Be creative with cream cheese, smoked salmon, brie, caramelized onions, pulled pork, or even a gelato sandwich!

Where Can You Buy Croissants in Vaughan?

For delicious croissants from a true artisanal bakery in Vaughan, stop by the Bartholomew Bakery! We offer fresh homemade butter croissants, cinnamon croissants, and the exclusive mortadella provolone pistachio mayo croissant! 

All the baked goods in our bakery in Vaughan are natural and uncomplicated with top-quality ingredients. Enjoy European taste here!