National Croissant Day – January 30, 2023

January 31, 2023 Madrid

While most of us know it as a french speciality, the croissant actually originated in Austria under the name “kipferls”. Marie Antoinette first introduced the Austrian pastry to France when she married into the royal family and requested the simple cake in the crescent shape of her homeland. The French bakers created fancier versions of “kipferls” and thus, the croissant was born. In France, the croissant has become more sophisticated, influenced by the cuisine style of its country. At it’s most basic level, it’s a frugal kind of breakfast pastry, made from pâte feuilletée (soft flour of flour, yeast, butter, milk and salt). On January 30, we annually recognize National Croissant Day, so channel your inner Parisian baker today and say “oui” to these buttery treats!

Timeline

1683 – Croissant For Peace

During the Ottman Turks siege of Vienna, a baker baked a pastry in the shape of a crescent to symbolize the emblem of Turkey.

17th Century – Fancy Dough

The first recipe for the dough used in croissants appeared in “Le Pâtissier françois” by François Pierre de La Varenne, better known as ‘puff pastry.’

1800s – The Croissant

The first documentation of the croissant in France was in an upscale patisserie named the ‘Boulangerie Viennoise.’

1915 – Eureka!

Sylvain Claudius Goy – a French baker, penned the recipe for croissants we all know and enjoy today.

NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY ACTIVITIES

Channel your inner Parisian chef

The best way to enjoy a croissant and really appreciate the way they’re made is to make them from scratch. It may be a time-consuming process, but it will take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure with a reward so buttery and so good, it’s definitely worth it.

Make your own croissant filling

Croissants are all about simplicity, but fillings can be a unique way to take them up a notch. Seize this creative opportunity and prepare your own savory or sweet filling. Since croissants are so versatile, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy!

Take a croissant workshop

This pastry is all about technique instead of using fancy ingredients so sometimes it’s best to bring it back to basics. Search your local area for a cooking workshop or ask your local baker for some tips about making these buttery, flaky treats.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY

They’re buttery

Let’s face it, everything is better with butter in it. In this case, butter gives croissants their signature flaky, luscious layers that melt in your mouth. If you don’t end up with slightly greasy fingers, then you didn’t eat a proper croissant.

They’re the perfect breakfast pastry

Is there a better way to start a Sunday morning? Scratch that—an any-day-of-the week morning? It’s perplexingly both decadent and light, which makes it the most suitable breakfast pastry.

They’re a flaky, don’t-need-a-plate snack

They’re the perfect handheld treat that’s both chewy and fluffy. The flaky layers make it seem like you’re unwrapping a delicious present even when you’re on the go.