What Are the Four Basic Pastries?

The four basic pastries—shortcrust, puff, choux, and flaky—form the foundation of many breakfast pastry recipes . Shortcrust is sturdy and perfect for tarts, while puff pastry creates those iconic buttery layers in croissants. Choux pastry is used for airy treats like eclairs, and flaky pastry is the go-to for hearty pies and turnovers.

What Is a Famous French Breakfast Pastry?

The croissant is undoubtedly the most famous French breakfast pastry. Its buttery, flaky layers and golden hue make it irresistible. Often served with coffee or jam, it’s a breakfast staple in France and loved worldwide.

What Is the Name of the Italian Breakfast Pastry?

The brioche takes center stage in Italian breakfasts. This soft, lightly sweetened bread is often enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or filled with rich cream. Pair it with a cappuccino for the full Italian experience.

What Is a Fried Ring-Shaped Breakfast Pastry?

The donut, a fried, ring-shaped pastry, is a classic. From simple sugar-glazed versions to chocolate-filled delights, donuts offer endless variations. They’re a fun addition to any breakfast spread or as a treat on the go.

Breakfast Pastry Recipes: Delicious Ideas & Expert Tips

Name: Breakfast Pastry Recipes
Prep time: PT-487202H34M19S
Cook time: PT-487202H34M19S
Total time: PT-487202H34M19S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tbsp instant yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups cold unsalted butter; 1 cup cold milk; 1/2 cup cold water; 1 egg; 1 sheet puff pastry; 4 oz cream cheese; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh berries or preserves; 1 egg; 3 1/2 cups flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm milk; 4 eggs; 3/4 cup butter; Pinch of salt; 3 cups flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 1/4 tsp yeast; 1/2 cup warm milk; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup melted butter; Oil for frying; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk

Ingredients

Scale

Classic Croissants:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbsp instant yeast

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups cold unsalted butter

1 cup cold milk

1/2 cup cold water

1 egg

Fruit & Cream Cheese Danish:

1 sheet puff pastry

4 oz cream cheese

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Fresh berries or preserves

1 egg

Italian Brioche Buns:

3 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/4 tsp dry yeast

1/2 cup warm milk

4 eggs

3/4 cup butter

Pinch of salt

Classic Donuts:

3 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/4 tsp yeast

1/2 cup warm milk

2 eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

Oil for frying

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Cut in cold butter. Add milk and water. Chill overnight.

2. Roll dough, fold in thirds. Chill between folds. Repeat 3 times. Cut into triangles and roll.

3. Proof croissants. Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.

4. Cut puff pastry into squares. Blend cream cheese, sugar, vanilla. Fill center and add fruit.

5. Fold corners, brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.

6. Activate yeast in warm milk. Mix with flour, sugar, eggs. Knead in butter.

7. Proof, shape into buns. Let rise again. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

8. Mix flour, sugar, yeast. Add milk, eggs, butter. Knead until smooth.

9. Proof dough. Cut donuts and fry at 350°F until golden. Glaze with powdered sugar and milk.

Notes

Use cold butter and minimal handling for flaky layers.

For best results, chill the dough as directed.

Choose fresh seasonal fruit for the Danish filling.

Author: Quinto
Prep Time: 1H
Cook Time: 30M
Category: Breakfast, Pastry
Method: Baking, Frying
Cuisine: French, Italian, American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pastry
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg