Have you ever dreamed of indulging in the delicious and decadent world of French pastries? Well, now you can! Our food blog has compiled a list of the 10 easiest French pastries recipes that you can easily make at home, no matter your baking skill level.
Imagine the buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants or the delicate sweetness of a fruit tart, all made from scratch in your own kitchen. From classic favorites like éclairs and macarons to lesser-known gems like madeleines and financiers, our recipes offer a delightful range of flavors and textures to suit any palate.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, our easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips will guide you every step of the way. So, get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound pastry-making skills and enjoy a taste of France from the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!
1. Easy French Pastry Recipe
I adore this delightful recipe for Classic French Madeleines! These light, cake-like biscuits are an absolute breeze to put together and every trial yields a flawless result. Their buttery texture is enhanced by the lemon zest intermingled within their flavor; they’re even more scrumptious when served warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea!
Plus, the cookie molds give them an added touch of elegance. I think what I love most about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients, so anyone can make them. With just a few simple steps, you can have some amazing cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-count madeleine pan with butter; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Add the melted butter and lemon zest, whisking until just combined.
6. Spoon the batter into the greased madeleine pan, filling each mold almost to the top.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
2. Choux Pastry Recipe
I love this recipe from Partylicious! It’s easy to make, delicious, and the perfect dessert for any occasion. I especially love how it only requires a few simple ingredients that can easily be found in most kitchens. The sweet, creamy, and fluffy choux pastry is simply irresistible! The vanilla pastry cream filling is a wonderful addition that adds a nice balance to the pastry. The overall texture is so light and airy, it melts in your mouth with each bite.
Topping off the choux pastry is a light dusting of powdered sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to the mix. This recipe is so simple and easy to follow, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your guests. Plus, it looks beautiful when presented on a plate. I’m sure you’ll love this recipe as much as I do!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup water
– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups pastry cream
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Remove from heat, add the flour, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
8. In a medium bowl, combine the pastry cream and vanilla extract.
9. Fill each cooled pastry with the pastry cream.
10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve. Enjoy!
3. Croissant Recipe
I absolutely love this easy homemade croissant recipe from Baking a Moment. It was the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and the flaky buttery pastry was out of this world. I was amazed at how simple it was to make, yet the end result tasted like something from a professional bakery. The recipe includes detailed instructions with helpful tips and techniques, so I knew I’d be able to create delicious croissants.
After a few hours of work, I ended up with flaky, buttery croissants that were just as good as any I’d had at a gourmet restaurant. I have since made this recipe several times and have even gotten compliments from family and friends on how delicious they are. There’s no doubt that this easy homemade croissant recipe is a winner!
Ingredients:
– 2 ¼ cups (283g) all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons (8g) instant or active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
– 1 cup (227g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
– ¾ cup (177mL) cold whole milk
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk and egg. Stir together with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 16×10-inch rectangle.
7. Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter, and roll out again into a 16×10-inch rectangle.
8. Cut the dough into 12 equal-sized triangles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each triangle.
9. Cover the croissants with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
11. Brush the croissants with the beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then enjoy!
4. Danish Pastry Recipe
I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this recipe for Danish Pastry Dough! It’s so effortless and scrumptious that it has become a staple in my family. The dough is lusciously light and tantalizingly flavorful – ideal for crafting delectable treats like croissants or danishes. I’m delighted to discover that each time it turns out perfectly, while only requiring a few basic ingredients.
Plus, it’s really versatile, so you can make all sorts of delicious treats with it. The best part is that I can make a big batch of dough and freeze it for later use. This recipe has saved me so much time and energy, and I’m so glad I found it! If you’re looking for an amazing pastry dough recipe, then look no further than this one from Simply Home Cooked.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
– 2 teaspoons (8g) instant or active dry yeast
– cup (120mL) warm water
– cup (120mL) half-and-half
– cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and half-and-half.
3. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the water and half-and-half mixture. Stir together with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 16×10-inch rectangle.
8. Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter, and roll out again into a 16×10-inch rectangle.
9. Cut the dough into 12 equal-sized triangles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each triangle.
10. Cover the pastries with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
12. Brush the pastries with the beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then enjoy!
5. Flaky Pastry Recipe
I couldn’t be happier with this delectable recipe for quick and effortless flaky pastry! It offers up a unique combination of flaky pastry and an easy-to-follow process that consistently yields mouthwatering results. One must take heed when preparing this dish, as one should first cut into small pieces the butter to ensure for ultimate crispness in each bite. The ingredients are also uncomplicatedly straightforward consisting only of flour, butter, salt and cold water – no complex measurements needed!
The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t take long to make – you can have your flaky pastry ready in just 30 minutes! Plus, you can use it in all sorts of dishes like pies, pastries, turnovers, empanadas, quiches, and more. This recipe will definitely become a family favorite and you will find yourself coming back to it time and time again. So if you’re looking for a great way to make some quick and delicious pastries, try this quick and easy flaky pastry recipe today!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
– 8 tablespoons (113g) cold butter, cut into small cubes
– cup (120mL) cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the water. Stir together with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Roll the dough out into a 16×10-inch rectangle and fold it in thirds, like a letter.
6. Roll out the dough again into a 16×10-inch rectangle and cut it into 12 equal-sized triangles.
7. Place the triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each triangle.
8. Cover the pastries with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375F(190C).
10. Bake the pastries for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then enjoy!
6. Puff Pastry Recipe
Making homemade puff pastry is one of my favorite recipes to make. It is so quick and easy, and it always tastes amazing! The ingredients are simple and straightforward – just butter, flour, and some water. I love that it only takes about 30 minutes to make the dough and it can be used for a variety of different dishes.
Additionally, I love how versatile puff pastry is. I can use it to make sweet or savory dishes, from turnovers to tarts to spanakopita. It also freezes very well, so I can easily make a big batch to have on hand whenever I need it. My favorite part about this recipe is the flaky and buttery texture of the pastry. It’s heaven! Making puff pastry at home is a great way to add a delicious homemade touch to any dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
– 1 cup (226g) cold butter, cubed
– cup (120mL) cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the water. Stir together with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Roll the dough out into a 16×10-inch rectangle and fold it in thirds, like a letter.
6. Roll out the dough again into a 16×10-inch rectangle and cut it into 12 equal-sized triangles.
7. Place the triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each triangle.
8. Cover the pastries with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
10. Bake the pastries for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then enjoy!
7. Swiss Roll Recipe
I love this recipe for Swiss Roll Cake because it’s simple, delicious, and has a wonderful presentation. The cake itself is made with just five ingredients: flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. The batter is then spread out into a thin layer and baked until golden brown. Once it’s done baking, the cake is rolled up and filled with your favorite jam or cream.
Finally, the roll is topped with a layer of powdered sugar or chocolate shavings for a beautiful finish. The resulting cake is moist, fluffy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion! Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few basic ingredients and a few simple steps. I’m sure you’ll be making this delicious Swiss Roll Cake recipe over and over again.
Ingredients:
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (100 g) caster sugar
– 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Jam or cream, for filling
– Powdered sugar or chocolate shavings, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11 x 15 inch (28 x 38 cm) baking tray and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and mix until combined.
4. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
8. Place a clean kitchen towel on top of the cake and gently roll it up along the long side.
9. Let the cake cool completely before unrolling it and spreading the filling of your choice inside.
10. Re-roll the cake and sprinkle with powdered sugar or chocolate shavings.
11. Enjoy!
8. Danish Pastry Ring Recipe
I wholeheartedly recommend giving this delightfully scrumptious Lemon Cream Cheese Danish recipe a try! It’s a simple yet delectable dessert that can be whipped up in mere minutes. The union of the sweet and tart lemon flavor with succulent cream cheese is divinely enticing – plus, it offers an opportunity to utilize any leftover cream cheese before discarding it into the trash. To begin with, I make pastry dough using only four ingredients for optimum results; afterward, I assemble the creamy jam-like filling comprising of creamed-style cheeses + zest + juice from lemons along with just enough sugar to balance out its sweetness levels while adding some extra piquancy at each bite!
Finally, I assemble the danishes by filling each pastry with cream cheese filling and topping it with a lemon glaze. The end result is a beautiful, creamy dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. So if you’re looking for an impressive dessert that won’t take too much time to make, look no further than this Lemon Cream Cheese Danish. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients:
– For the Pastry Dough:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 tablespoons (28g) sugar
– 1 cup (226g) cold butter, cubed
– For the Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– For the Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup (125g) confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. To make the pastry dough, add the flour, baking powder, and sugar to a large bowl and whisk until combined.
3. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add 1/3 cup (80ml) of cold water and mix with a spatula until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it forms a ball.
6. Roll the dough out into a 12-inch (30cm) circle. Cut the dough into 12 equal wedges.
7. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet and press down lightly with your fingers.
8. To make the cream cheese filling, add the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a medium bowl and mix until combined.
9. Spoon the cream cheese filling onto the center of each wedge, leaving a 1/2-inch (1.3cm) border.
10. Carefully bring the points of the wedges up and over the filling, pressing down lightly to secure the filling.
11. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. To make the glaze, add the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice to a medium bowl and whisk until combined.
13. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes.
14. Enjoy!
9. Croissant Doughball Recipe
As a passionate baker, I love a good French croissant recipe. From its fluffy, golden layers to its delectable buttery taste, there’s nothing quite like a freshly-baked croissant.
I’ve been making the classic French croissant recipe from Weekend Bakery for about a year now, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite recipes. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients – just basic pantry items like butter, flour, sugar, and yeast.
Plus, it’s easy to make in an afternoon, so it’s perfect for when I don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The end result is always a delicious treat that my family loves. So if you’re looking for an indulgent treat that won’t take all day to prepare, give the classic French croissant recipe from Weekend Bakery a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
– 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
– 2 1/2 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
– 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Whisk until the yeast is dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
2. Add the flour, salt, and cubed butter to the bowl and mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment until the ingredients are combined. Increase the speed to medium and mix for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 20×12-inch (50x30cm) rectangle. Fold the dough in thirds like a letter and roll it out again into a 20×12-inch (50x30cm) rectangle.
5. Cut the dough into 12 equal rectangles. Roll each rectangle into a triangle and roll up, starting at the wide end. Place the croissants onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise for another hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Bake the croissants for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Enjoy!
10. Pain au Chocolat Recipe
I am utterly captivated by this scrumptious Easy Petite Pain au Chocolat Chocolate recipe. Creating it is a breeze, and the results are out-of-this world delicious; making it an ideal choice whenever hunger strikes! The delicate layers of pastry dough encasing luscious chocolate filling will leave you speechless with their velvety texture and soft kick; almost dissolving in your mouth!
The combination of the chocolate and buttery pastry is simply heavenly. The recipe is also incredibly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and very little time to prepare. Best of all, the end result is a beautiful, golden-brown pastry that looks as good as it tastes. I can’t recommend this recipe highly enough and I’m sure you’ll love it too!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk
– 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
– 1/2 cup (110 g) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and warm water. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and mix for another 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 20×12-inch (50x30cm) rectangle. Spread the chocolate chips evenly over the surface of the dough. Roll the dough up like a jelly roll and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
4. Place the pieces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise for another hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Bake the croissants for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Thank you for checking out this list of easy French pastries to make! Whether you’re an amateur baker or a baking enthusiast, these recipes will help you explore the delicious world of French desserts. From classic éclairs to the more complex mille-feuille, you can be sure to find something for you or your family to enjoy.
All of the recipes are easy to follow and don’t require too much time or skill. We hope this list has inspired you to try out some of these delicious French pastries and that you have a wonderful time baking them. Bon appétit!
