Homemade Cronuts: The Perfect Dough

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Homemade Cronuts: The Perfect Dough.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious cronut adventure, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the yeast with warm water.

2. Step 2

   Let this mixture sit for about five minutes until you see a lovely creamy foam forming on top—this means your yeast is happy and ready to work its magic.

3. Step 3

   Next, add in the milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

4. Step 4

   Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully blended and smooth.

5. Step 5

   Now, it’s time to sift the flour over your liquid ingredients.

6. Step 6

   If you have a stand mixer, place the bowl on it and attach the dough hook.

7. Step 7

   Knead the dough on low speed for about three minutes, until it transforms into a soft, sticky ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

8. Step 8

   Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a floured surface.

9. Step 9

   Gently knead it a few times and shape it into a nice ball.

10. Step 10

    Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to let the gluten relax—this will make rolling it out much easier later on.

11. Step 11

    After the dough has chilled, take it out, unwrap it, and give it a light dusting of flour.

12. Step 12

    Roll it out into a rectangle measuring about 9x18 inches and about 1/4 inch thick.

13. Step 13

    Now, spread half of the softened butter evenly over the middle third of the dough.

14. Step 14

    Fold one unbuttered third over the buttered section and press down lightly.

15. Step 15

    Then, spread the remaining butter on top of that folded section and fold the last unbuttered third over it.

16. Step 16

    Place this folded dough onto a sheet pan, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes until the butter firms up.

17. Step 17

    If the dough gets a bit sticky while you work, don’t hesitate to sprinkle it lightly with flour.

18. Step 18

    Once it’s chilled, return the dough to a floured surface and gently pat it into an 8x14-inch rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.

19. Step 19

    Fold the outer thirds over the center third just like before, then roll it out into an 8x14-inch rectangle again, keeping those edges nice and straight.

20. Step 20

    Fold it in thirds once more, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it chill in the refrigerator for two hours.

21. Step 21

    After the dough has had its beauty rest, roll it out to about 3/8 inch thick.

22. Step 22

    Cut the dough in half crosswise, keeping one half on a floured surface while you refrigerate the other half until you’re ready for it.

23. Step 23

    Using a sharp 3-inch round cutter, cut out eight circles from the dough.

24. Step 24

    Then, take a 1-inch round cutter to create the donut holes from those circles.

25. Step 25

    Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and sprinkle it lightly with flour.

26. Step 26

    Arrange your cronuts and their little holes on the prepared baking sheet.

27. Step 27

    Now, let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot—an unheated oven works perfectly—until they double in size, which should take about an hour.

28. Step 28

    Enjoy the anticipation as the aroma of freshly baked cronuts fills your kitchen!.