Homemade Croissants

Directions

1. 1

   In a bowl, beat butter and flour until combined; spread into a 12x6-in. rectangle on a piece of waxed paper. Cover with another piece of waxed paper; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. 2

   In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, egg, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
3. 3

   Roll dough into a 14-in. square. Remove top sheet of waxed paper from butter. Invert onto half of dough. Remove waxed paper. Fold dough over butter; seal edges.
4. 4

   Roll into a 20x12-in. rectangle. Fold into thirds. Repeat rolling and folding twice. (If butter softens, refrigerate after folding.) Wrap dough and refrigerate overnight.
5. 5

   Unwrap dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 25x20-in. rectangle. Cut into 5-in. squares. Cut each square diagonally in half, forming 2 triangles.
6. 6

   Roll up triangles from wide end; place 2 in. apart with point down on ungreased baking sheets. Curve ends down to form crescent shape. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
7. 7

   Bake at 375° until golden brown, 12-14 minutes. Remove to wire racks. Serve warm.