The Definitive Guide to Celebrating National Croissant Day with America's Best Bakeries
National Croissant Day, celebrated annually on January 30th, honors one of the most beloved French pastries. The croissant's story began in Austria as the "kipferl" before evolving into its current crescent shape in France. Today, this flaky, buttery pastry has become a global breakfast staple, with artisanal bakeries across the United States perfecting the time-intensive lamination process. Creating the perfect croissant is a meticulous process that typically takes 2-3 days. The key lies in the lamination - alternating layers of butter and dough that create the signature flaky texture. The finest bakeries focus on quality ingredients, particularly the butter content and flour type, while maintaining precise temperature control throughout the process. Here are some of America's most exceptional bakeries known for their croissants, where skilled bakers combine traditional French techniques with local influences.
