If you love the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant but want something easier to make at home, muffin croissants are the perfect solution. These pastries combine the crispiness of croissants with the convenience of a muffin shape. They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious snack with coffee or tea.
Best of all, they require minimal effort since we’re using store-bought puff pastry. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have golden, crispy muffin croissants that taste just like they came from a bakery. Whether you enjoy them plain, sweetened with sugar, or stuffed with chocolate or cheese, this recipe is endlessly customizable.
If using store-bought puff pastry, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours, or at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. The pastry should be cold but flexible—not too soft or sticky. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour.
Place the cold puff pastry sheet on the surface and gently roll it out with a rolling pin. This helps smooth out any creases from the packaging. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into long strips, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide. These strips will form the layers of your croissant muffins.
Brush each strip with melted butter. This adds richness and enhances the flakiness. If making a sweet version, sprinkle a little sugar over the buttered strips for a caramelized effect. You can also add fillings like chocolate chips or a thin layer of Nutella. Roll each strip tightly, just like rolling a croissant or cinnamon roll.
Once rolled, gently coil the roll into a spiral (like a snail shell). This will help it fit nicely into the muffin tin. Place each coiled pastry into a greased muffin tin. The muffin tin helps them hold their shape while baking. In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of milk and a pinch of salt.
This will give the muffins a shiny, golden crust. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the tops of each croissant muffin. Be gentle so you don’t deflate the pastry layers. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is essential for getting that crispy, flaky texture.
Place the muffin tin on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and crispy on top. Keep an eye on them in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. Every oven is different, so check at the 20-minute mark.
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the croissants cool for 5 minutes inside the tin. Carefully lift them out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait!). Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
Expert Tips for the Best Muffin Croissants;
Use all-butter puff pastry for the most authentic croissant taste. Many store-bought brands use vegetable oils, but all-butter pastry gives the best flakiness and flavour.
Don’t let the dough get too warm. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the rolled croissants for 10 minutes before baking to help keep the layers distinct.
Add a filling for extra flavour. Try chocolate chips, almond paste, cinnamon sugar, or even shredded cheese for a savoury version.
Bake at a high temperature. Puff pastry needs high heat to create those signature flaky layers. Avoid baking at a low temperature, or they may turn out dense.
Customization Ideas and Variations;
Sweet Muffin Croissants: Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking. Add Nutella or chocolate chips inside the rolls. Drizzle with honey or melted chocolate after baking.
Savoury Muffin Croissants: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese before rolling. Add shredded cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan inside. Sprinkle with herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking.
Healthier Versions: Use whole wheat puff pastry for added fibre. Swap sugar for a drizzle of honey after baking. Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions;
Muffin croissants are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas:
For Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or Greek yoghurt.
With Coffee or Tea: Perfect as a light snack with cappuccino, espresso, or chai.
As a Dessert: Drizzle with honey, and chocolate, or serve with whipped cream.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage: Keep leftover muffin croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare and roll the muffin croissants a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Simply brush with egg wash and bake fresh the next morning.
Muffin croissants are an easy and fun way to enjoy flaky, buttery pastry without the hassle of making croissants from scratch. Whether you prefer them sweet or savoury, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients;
For the muffin croissants:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, about 250g)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for a sweet touch)
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- A pinch of salt
