
Recipe
Kouign-amann: The Irresistible French Pastry Delight
Golden Layers of Sweetness: Mastering the Art of Kouign-amann
4.7 out of 5
Indulge in the decadent world of French pastries with the iconic Kouign-amann. This buttery, flaky delight hails from the heart of Brittany and is a true testament to the mastery of French baking.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
25-30 minutes
Total time
1 hour 55 minutes (including rising time)
Yields
12 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Kosher, Halal
Allergens
Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Ingredients
-
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
-
1 1/4 teaspoons (5g) active dry yeast 1 1/4 teaspoons (5g) active dry yeast
-
1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
-
1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
-
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
- Fat: 15g (9g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 34g (16g sugars)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0.2g
Preparation
-
1.In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
-
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
-
3.Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
4.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
5.Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
-
6.Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
-
7.Sprinkle the sugar over the butter, pressing it gently into the dough.
-
8.Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter, and then fold it in half to create a square.
-
9.Roll out the dough again into a rectangle and repeat the folding process.
-
10.Repeat the rolling and folding process one more time.
-
11.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
12.Cut the dough into squares or circles and place them in a greased muffin tin or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
13.Sprinkle each piece with a little extra sugar.
-
14.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and caramelized.
-
15.Remove from the oven and let the Kouign-amann cool for a few minutes before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Butter — Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the dough without tearing it.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the sugar before sprinkling it over the dough.
- If you prefer a sweeter Kouign-amann, you can dust the baked pastries with powdered sugar before serving.
- To achieve a more pronounced caramelization, you can brush the tops of the Kouign-amann with a little melted butter before baking.
- If you don't have a muffin tin, you can use individual ramekins or even a cake pan to bake the Kouign-amann.
- Leftover Kouign-amann can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Serving advice
Serve Kouign-amann warm for the best experience. It pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a steaming cup of tea.
Presentation advice
Arrange the golden Kouign-amann on a platter, allowing the layers to be visible. Dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
More recipes...
For Kouign-amann
More French cuisine dishes » Browse all

Pogne
Pogne is a traditional French pastry that is similar to brioche. It is a sweet and buttery bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The...

Maquereaux au vin blanc
Mackerel in White Wine
Maquereaux au vin blanc is a classic French dish that is simple to make but full of flavor. It consists of mackerel cooked in white wine and...

Canapés Windsor
Windsor Appetizers
Canapés Windsor are a delicious and elegant appetizer that are perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats are made with smoked salmon,...