What is the history of the croissant?

The croissant is a classic French pastry that has become a beloved breakfast staple worldwide. With its flaky layers and buttery flavor, it's no surprise that the croissant has become a favorite among pastry lovers everywhere. But where did this delicious pastry come from? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the croissant.

The exact origins of the croissant are somewhat disputed, but it's widely believed that it was created in Vienna, Austria in the 17th century. The croissant is said to have been inspired by the crescent-shaped banners used by the Ottoman Empire during their siege of Vienna in 1683. According to the legend, the bakers in Vienna were working through the night to create a new pastry to commemorate the victory over the Ottomans. They came up with a crescent-shaped pastry that was light, flaky, and buttery - the croissant was born.

However, other sources suggest that the croissant was actually created in France, and that the Austrian story is a myth. In fact, there are records of a similar pastry being made in France as early as the 18th century. It's possible that the French were inspired by the Austrian pastry and created their own version, which they called the "croissant" because of its crescent shape.

Regardless of its origins, the croissant quickly became a popular pastry in France and has remained so to this day. In the 19th century, French bakers began to experiment with the recipe, adding more butter and creating the flaky, buttery pastry that we know and love today.

The croissant gained international fame in the 20th century, thanks in part to the development of frozen pastry dough. This allowed croissants to be shipped all over the world and sold in supermarkets and cafes, making them accessible to people everywhere.

Today, the croissant is a staple in French bakeries and cafes, and is enjoyed around the world. It can be enjoyed plain or filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as chocolate, almond paste, ham and cheese, or spinach and feta. It's also commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack, and is often paired with coffee or tea.

In conclusion, the history of the croissant is a fascinating one, with disputed origins and a long and delicious evolution. Whether it was first created in Austria or France, there's no denying that the croissant is now a beloved pastry that has become a part of culinary culture around the world.

And if you are a fan of croissant like we are, discover our cosy café and croissant sets.