Ingredients
3 cups bread flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and high-fat preferred
2 1/4 teaspoons fresh yeast (or 1 packet active dry yeast)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold water
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add cold water and knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Shape cold butter into a 1/2-inch thick square and chill.
- Roll out the dough into a square. Place the butter block in the center and fold dough over it to encase. Roll out and perform a book fold. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling between each fold.
- Roll dough into a rectangle, cut into strips, and layer them in a greased loaf pan. Proof until nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush loaf with egg wash. Place a pan of water on the bottom rack for steam. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and loaf sounds hollow. Internal temp should be 190–200°F.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Add chocolate, cinnamon, fruit preserves, or almond paste for sweet versions.
- Try cheese, herbs, or garlic for savory variations.
- Use vegan butter and plant milk for a dairy-free option.
- Chilling the dough between folds is essential for layer development.
- Use a thermometer to ensure proper baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
