Creating Homemade French Croissants is a rewarding process. Follow these steps closely to ensure your success:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Add Milk: Gradually add the warm milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Shape it into a ball.
4. First Proof: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
5. Prepare the Butter Block: While the dough proofs, place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
6. Incorporate the Butter: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Place the butter block in the center and fold the dough over it, encasing the butter fully.
7. Laminate the Dough: Roll the dough out into a long rectangle. Fold it into thirds (like a letter). Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
8. Repeat the Rolling Process: Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, refrigerating for 30 minutes between each round.
9. Shape the Croissants: Roll the final dough out into a large rectangle. Cut it into triangles. Starting from the base, roll each triangle up tightly to form a crescent shape.
10. Second Proof: Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 1 hour.
11. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second proof.
12. Egg Wash: Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the mixture over the tops of the croissants for a shiny finish.
13. Bake: Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
14. Cool: Allow the croissants to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll achieve beautiful, flaky croissants right in your own kitchen!