Even though many people may think that croissants originate from France, they were actually developed from a type of pastry that was very popular in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire.
These buttery pastries are known for their flaky, golden-brown exterior and distinctively rich flavor.
While there are many ways to enjoy croissants, from using them as a sandwich bread to simply savoring them on their own, one of the most important components to their deliciousness is butter.
However, if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional butter when baking croissants, you may wonder if margarine is a good substitute.
Here’s all you need to know about using margarine instead of butter when baking croissants.
Using Margarine Instead Of Butter For Croissants
Margarine can be a good substitute for butter when baking croissants as it has a similar texture.
The main difference between the two is that margarine contains more water than butter and does not contain as much flavor, so you may need to add some spices to give your croissants a richer taste.
When using margarine instead of butter, it’s important to keep in mind that it is much softer at room temperature than butter, so you may need to chill or freeze the dough for longer periods of time before rolling it out and shaping the croissants.
Additionally, since margarine does not brown as well as butter, your croissants may not have the same golden-brown hue that you would get when using butter.
7 Tips For Making The Best Croissants With Margarine
To get the best results when using margarine instead of butter for croissants, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.
Let’s check them out!
1. Use Cold Margarine
Be sure to use cold margarine and work quickly so it doesn’t become too soft or melt.
This is because if the margarine becomes too soft or starts to melt, it won’t hold its shape as well and the croissants may not turn out as expected.
2. Chill The Dough
Take the time to properly chill the dough before rolling it out and shaping your croissants.
This will ensure that the margarine doesn’t melt too quickly, which could result in a soggy or greasy end product.
3. Add Some Extra Flavorings
Adding some extra spices to the dough can help give your croissants a richer flavor.
Examples of herbs and spices you can use include that work well with croissants are:
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• allspice
• vanilla extract
• orange zest
4. Rolling The Dough
Use a light hand when rolling out the dough.
Too much pressure can cause the margarine to melt too quickly, resulting in unevenly-shaped croissants.
5. Don’t Overfill Your Croissants
Too much filling can cause them to burst open during baking.
It is better to stay on the side of caution when it comes to filling your croissants.
6. Brush The Tops
Be sure to brush the tops of your croissants with some melted margarine or egg wash before baking.
This will help give them a golden-brown hue.
7. Bake On The Lower Rack
Since margarine does not brown as quickly as butter, you should bake your croissants on the lower rack of your oven so they will cook more evenly throughout.
Other Questions You May Have
Can You Use Margarine And Butter Together?
You can mix margarine and butter together for a flavor that’s somewhere between the two.
Keep in mind that it may affect the texture of your croissants, however.
Is Margarine Healthier Than Butter?
Margarine can be a healthier option than butter as it typically contains less saturated fat.
However, not all margarines contain equal ingredients, some may contain additives that you should look out for.
Can I Substitute Margarine For Butter In Other Baked Goods?
You can use margarine instead of butter in a variety of baked goods including cakes, muffins, brownies, pancakes, and other pastries.
Just be sure to keep the ratios between the fat and liquid ingredients similar when making your substitutions.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to baking croissants, using margarine instead of butter can be a great way to get a similar flavor and texture without all the extra fat.
Overall, using margarine instead of butter for croissants is perfect to make a healthier version of this popular pastry without sacrificing too much on taste and texture.
Keep the 7 tips which were shared in this blog post in mind when baking with margarine, and you’ll be sure to get the best croissants using margarine!