Croissants Aren't French? The Austrian Origin of the Iconic Pastry

The croissant evolved from the Austrian *kipferl*, a crescent-shaped bread roll, believed to have been created in Vienna during the 17th century. Legend suggests its shape commemorated the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, whose flag bore a crescent moon. While Marie Antoinette is often credited with popularizing the *kipferl* in France in the late 18th century, it was French bakers in the 19th century who transformed it into the flaky, buttery pastry we recognize today by incorporating puff pastry techniques. Thus, the iconic French croissant is a delicious fusion of Austrian origins and French culinary innovation.