Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This buttery French pastry is a dream come true for lovers of decadent sweets. The sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a crispy, golden exterior while the inside remains soft and flaky. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions or as a luxurious treat for yourself.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (for folding)
For the Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup sugar
Directions
- Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, until frothy.
- Combine the yeast mixture with the flour and salt. Knead until smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a square and fold in the cold butter. Roll it out and fold again, repeating this process 2-3 times.
- Let the dough rest in the fridge for at least an hour.
- After resting, roll the dough out and sprinkle sugar on top. Fold the dough to form a square, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and caramelized.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 pieces
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus resting time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Flavored version: Add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the sugar coating for extra flavor.
- Fruit-filled: Place a few berries or jam in the center before folding for a fruity twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store kouign-amann in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make this pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before, allowing it to rest overnight in the fridge before baking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is essential for the flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch, though the taste will differ slightly.
Is kouign-amann similar to croissants?
Yes, it’s similar in that both have layers of dough and butter, but kouign-amann is much sweeter and caramelized.
Can I freeze kouign-amann?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap the individual pieces tightly and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a stand mixer for kneading?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment will make kneading easier and faster.
Is it okay to use all-purpose flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe.
How can I make the caramelization better?
Be sure to sprinkle enough sugar over the dough before baking to achieve a golden caramelized crust.
What’s the best way to shape the kouign-amann?
Shape the dough into a square and fold it to make sure the butter and sugar are evenly distributed throughout.
Can I add chocolate to kouign-amann?
Yes, adding chocolate chips or a thin layer of chocolate spread before folding would make for a delicious variation.
Is kouign-amann difficult to make?
It’s a bit labor-intensive due to the folding process, but with patience, it’s manageable and absolutely worth the effort.
Conclusion
Kouign-Amann is a delectable French pastry that combines flaky layers with sweet caramelized sugar. Although it requires some time and effort, the results are spectacular. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion, this pastry will impress everyone who tries it!
Kouign-Amann
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kouign-Amann is a rich and indulgent French pastry from Brittany, France. With its buttery, flaky layers and caramelized sugar crust, it combines the best qualities of a croissant and a sweet dessert. Perfect for any special occasion or as a luxurious treat, this pastry is sure to delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (for folding)
For the Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Combine the yeast mixture with flour and salt, kneading until smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
- Roll dough into a square and fold in the cold butter. Roll out and fold again, repeating 2-3 times.
- Let dough rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- After resting, roll out dough and sprinkle sugar on top. Fold dough into a square, let rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized.
Notes
- Flavored Version: Add cinnamon or vanilla extract to the sugar coating for extra flavor.
- Fruit-filled: Add berries or jam in the center before folding for a fruity twist.
- Storage: Store kouign-amann in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
