A croissant is a buttery, flaky pastry that originated in Austria but became popular in France. It is made from a layered dough, which involves folding butter into the dough multiple times to create thin layers. This process, known as laminating, gives the croissant its distinctive texture and shape. Typically enjoyed for breakfast, a croissant can be served plain or filled with various ingredients like chocolate, almond paste, or ham and cheese. It is often paired with coffee or tea and is a staple in many French bakeries around the world.