Kouign-Amann. Flaky Caramelized French Pastry
Kouign-Amann is a decadent, buttery, and caramelized pastry from the Brittany region of France. It has layers of flaky, laminated dough, similar to croissant dough, but with a generous amount of sugar that creates a crispy, golden crust. The combination of rich butter and caramelized sugar makes this pastry both crunchy and soft, with a sweet, irresistible flavor. While it requires time and patience, the reward is well worth it for those who want to bake their own gourmet pastry at home.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) water (warm)
- 2 ¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 tbsp (140g) unsalted butter, cold
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Directions
Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Laminate the dough. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle. Take the cold butter and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten it into a thin rectangle that covers about two-thirds of the dough’s size. Place the butter on the dough, fold the unbuttered third over the butter, then fold the other third over that, creating three layers.
First fold. Roll the dough into another large rectangle, being careful not to let the butter break through the dough. Fold the dough into thirds again, just like before. Wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Second fold. Remove the dough from the fridge, roll it out, and fold it into thirds again. Repeat this process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each fold.
Add sugar. On the final fold, sprinkle ½ cup of sugar evenly over the surface before folding the dough. Roll it out one last time into a large square, about ½-inch thick.
Shape the pastries. Cut the dough into 12 squares. Take each square and fold the corners into the center, pinching them together. Press each pastry into a buttered muffin tin, sprinkle the tops with sugar, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pastries for 25-30 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and the sugar has caramelized on top. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing.
Recipe tips
Keep your butter cold throughout the lamination process to avoid it melting into the dough. Use a high-quality butter for the best flavor. If the dough resists rolling, chill it for a few minutes to relax the gluten. Watch closely towards the end of baking to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn. Serve warm for the ultimate experience, though they are still delicious at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Chocolate éclairs are a classic French pastry with a light, airy shell, creamy vanilla custard filling, and a rich chocolate glaze. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to bring the taste of a bakery into your home kitchen. Making éclairs takes a bit of time, but the end result is well worth the effort.
These warm, fluffy Pumpkin Spice Muffins are packed with cozy fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made with real pumpkin puree, these muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. They’re easy to prepare and bring the comforting aroma of autumn into your kitchen. Whether you're serving them for a family brunch or grabbing one on the go, these muffins will satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings.
Biscotti are classic Italian cookies known for their crunchy texture, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. These twice-baked treats are deliciously versatile, featuring a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch. You can customize them with almonds, hazelnuts, or even chocolate chips to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, biscotti are always a delightful treat that will keep fresh for days.
These Coffee Cake Muffins are the perfect blend of a moist, tender cake and a sweet, crumbly topping. They're ideal for a quick breakfast treat, snack, or even a dessert with a cup of coffee or tea. The brown sugar and cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making these muffins a comforting and flavorful indulgence.
If you're craving something sweet with a tangy twist, these Lemon Bars will hit the spot! A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a smooth, zesty lemon filling. They're the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them ideal for a light dessert or afternoon treat. This simple recipe can be whipped up in under an hour and is guaranteed to brighten your day with a burst of citrus flavor.
These Puff Pastry Tarts are light, flaky, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're filling them with fresh fruit for a breakfast treat or savory toppings for a snack, they come together quickly and bake into golden, crispy perfection. Perfect for any time of day, they’re an excellent recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
There’s nothing quite like a warm, buttery croissant straight out of the oven. This classic French pastry is known for its flaky, delicate layers, rich taste, and soft, buttery interior. Although croissant-making takes time and patience, the process is rewarding. Once you learn the method, you’ll have the satisfaction of enjoying a truly homemade treat. Perfect for breakfast or a light snack, these croissants are a labor of love that will impress your family and friends.
These delightful Peach Hand Pies are the perfect treat for a sweet snack or dessert. Made with a buttery, flaky pie crust and filled with juicy, spiced peaches, they are easy to make and perfect for any time of year, especially summer. You can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them as a grab-and-go snack. The individual servings also make them ideal for picnics or parties.
If you're craving a classic French pastry that’s crisp on the outside, light and airy on the inside, filled with smooth pastry cream, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze, look no further than éclairs. Making éclairs at home might seem intimidating, but with a little care and patience, you’ll find it’s easier than it looks. These delicate pastries are perfect for a special occasion or simply when you want to impress yourself or loved ones with something truly delicious.
Skip the oil and frying with these deliciously soft and fluffy Baked Donuts! Perfectly tender and coated in a sweet glaze or cinnamon sugar, these donuts are easy to make at home and healthier than the traditional fried version. They’re ideal for breakfast or a midday treat, and best of all, you don’t need any fancy equipment or deep frying. Just a donut pan, some simple ingredients, and a few steps to make these mouthwatering donuts from scratch.
These delicious apple turnovers are perfect for when you want a warm, sweet treat. The flaky pastry filled with soft, cinnamon-spiced apples is a comfort food favorite. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just indulging yourself, these turnovers are surprisingly easy to make. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for a snack later.
Almond croissants are a decadent French pastry, perfect for breakfast or a luxurious snack. These flaky, buttery croissants are filled with a sweet almond paste and topped with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Whether you’re using day-old croissants or making them from scratch, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat. Serve them warm with coffee or tea, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Parisian café.
Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and classic dish that blends crisp apples, crunchy celery, and juicy grapes with a creamy dressing. Originating from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with the added texture of walnuts for a delightful crunch. It’s a versatile salad that works wonderfully as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a refreshing snack. Simple to prepare, yet elegant enough to impress at any gathering, this salad will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
There's nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. This homemade version is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal in no time. Forget the boxed stuff; this rich and creamy mac and cheese will quickly become your go-to recipe. Whether you're preparing it for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, this dish hits all the right notes.
Who can resist the comforting crunch and gooey melt of a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich? This classic dish is quick to make, satisfying, and a staple for any mealtime. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a bowl of soup, this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple yet packed with flavor.
This Mexican Street Corn Salad (also known as Esquites) brings the bold flavors of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen. It's a vibrant and flavorful salad made with sweet charred corn, tangy lime, creamy mayo, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Perfect as a side dish, this salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for a quick meal or picnic favorite.
Zuppa Toscana is a comforting, hearty Italian soup that's rich with flavors of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. It's a perfect one-pot meal that brings warmth to any table. This recipe is simple to prepare and is ideal for those cold days when you want a homemade, comforting bowl of soup. The rich cream blends perfectly with the spicy sausage and mild potatoes, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Crab cakes are a delightful way to enjoy fresh crab meat, bringing out its natural sweetness with just the right amount of seasoning. This recipe is easy to follow and results in crispy, golden cakes that are tender and flavorful on the inside. Perfect for a special lunch, dinner, or even an elegant appetizer, these crab cakes are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own seafood cravings. The combination of breadcrumbs, spices, and a hint of lemon enhances the taste without overpowering the delicate crab meat.
This hearty and comforting Chicken and Rice Soup is perfect for those cold days when you crave something warm and nourishing. With tender chicken, fragrant vegetables, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a flavorful broth, it’s a dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're fighting off a cold or just want a wholesome meal, this soup is sure to warm your soul.
These chicken quesadillas are a perfect blend of crispy tortillas, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese. Easy to make, they’re ideal for a quick weeknight meal or even a snack. The chicken is cooked to perfection with a combination of spices, paired with a rich layer of cheese, and sandwiched between two golden-brown tortillas. With a little prep time and basic ingredients, you'll have a delicious homemade meal.
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a velvety cream base that will warm you from the inside out. Easy to prepare and full of rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Bright, tomato-based, and packed with flavors, Manhattan Clam Chowder is a comforting, hearty soup perfect for chilly days or whenever you're craving a seafood fix. With tender clams, savory vegetables, and a hint of herbs, this recipe offers a refreshing alternative to creamy New England chowder. It’s light yet satisfying, easy to make, and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of the sea!
The Piña Colada is the perfect tropical cocktail, bringing together the sweetness of pineapple and creaminess of coconut with the smoothness of rum. A staple of beach vacations and summer parties, this drink is incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a tropical-themed dinner, a homemade Piña Colada will transport you to a Caribbean paradise.
This Spinach and Strawberry Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines tender baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even as a side for a summer gathering. The crunchy nuts and creamy cheese add texture, while the light dressing ties everything together.
Cheese balls are a delightful snack that combines the rich, creamy taste of cheese with a crispy, golden exterior. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick appetizer, or simply craving something cheesy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering snack that’s sure to impress. The best part? They’re quick to make and require minimal effort, making them ideal for anyone who loves cooking their own food but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The Blue Lagoon is a refreshing, vibrant cocktail that combines the tangy flavors of vodka and blue curaçao with the sweetness of lemonade. Its stunning blue color makes it a showstopper at parties, ideal for summer gatherings or special occasions. This easy-to-make drink brings a tropical touch to any event and is perfect for those who enjoy light, fruity cocktails.
This Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that warms the soul. Made with tender sweet potatoes, a hint of spice, and creamy coconut milk, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and savory. Ideal for a cozy dinner or as a light lunch, this hearty soup is both nutritious and comforting. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
This dairy-free gravy is rich, savory, and full of flavor—perfect for topping mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or any holiday main dish. Made with simple ingredients and vegetable broth, it’s creamy without any milk or cream, making it a great option for those avoiding dairy. Whether you're serving this for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this gravy is a must-have addition.
Miso Soup is a light, flavorful, and comforting Japanese dish that's perfect for any meal. The umami-rich miso paste combined with dashi broth, tofu, seaweed, and green onions creates a nourishing bowl that’s both easy to make and full of authentic flavor. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
The classic Gin and Tonic is a refreshing and zesty cocktail perfect for unwinding or adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering. With just a few ingredients, it’s simple to make, yet bursting with bright citrus and botanicals. This recipe highlights the balance between the gin’s aromatic profile and the quinine in tonic water, complemented by a fresh lime wedge for extra zest. It’s a versatile drink, ideal for warm-weather sipping or as a go-to party drink year-round.
Fattoush is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern salad that's perfect for any time of the day. The combination of fresh vegetables, crispy pita bread, and a zesty sumac dressing makes it a delightful and healthy dish. This salad is not only full of flavor but also a great way to use up leftover pita bread. It's quick to prepare, and the balance of textures—crunchy and fresh—makes it a favorite for a light meal or side dish.
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that's perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner. Tender chicken breasts are lightly floured and pan-fried, then simmered in a rich, savory sauce made with Marsala wine and mushrooms. This easy-to-make meal delivers restaurant-quality results at home, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.