Making croissants from scratch can feel a bit intimidating, I get it. But these Orange Marmalade Croissants? They’re totally achievable, even if you’re not a pastry pro.

We’re taking a little shortcut with store-bought croissants, and filling them with a vibrant, tangy orange marmalade mixture that’s simply delicious. These are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or even a delightful afternoon tea.

I love how the buttery flakiness of the croissant pairs with the sweet-and-slightly-bitter citrus flavor. It’s a combination that just works.

Orange Marmalade Croissants: A Quick Overview

This recipe is all about elevating simple ingredients. We’re taking ready-made croissants and transforming them into something extra special with minimal effort.

The star of the show is, of course, the orange marmalade. It’s combined with a few other ingredients to create a filling that’s both flavorful and has a lovely texture.

Think of these as a bright and cheerful way to start your day, or as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime. They’re great served warm, allowing the filling to become even more luscious.

They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and even a dollop of freshly whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Detailed Ingredients for Orange Marmalade Croissants

Here’s what you’ll need to gather. I always recommend using the best quality ingredients you can find, it really does make a difference in the final result!

Croissants: 4 large, store-bought croissants. Look for ones that are nicely golden and feel light and airy.
Orange Marmalade: 1/2 cup. A good quality marmalade is key here. You want one with a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness, and plenty of orange zest.
Cream Cheese: 2 ounces, softened. This adds a lovely creaminess and tang to the filling. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly.
Powdered Sugar: 2 tablespoons. This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the marmalade.
Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon. Freshly grated zest adds an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted. For brushing on the croissants before baking, giving them a beautiful golden finish.

If you can’t find orange marmalade, you could substitute with another citrus marmalade, such as lemon or grapefruit. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly. Also, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Croissants

Let’s get baking! These steps are super easy to follow.

Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, orange marmalade, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.
Slice the Croissants: Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, almost all the way through, but leaving a small “hinge” at the back so they stay connected. It’s like making a little croissant sandwich.
Fill the Croissants: Gently open each croissant and spread a generous amount of the orange marmalade filling inside. Don’t overfill them, or the filling might spill out during baking. About 2 tablespoons per croissant is usually a good amount.
Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of the filled croissants with melted butter. This helps them brown nicely and adds extra flavor.
Bake: Place the filled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end, as they can brown quickly.
Cool Slightly & Serve: Let the croissants cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.

Variations & Tips for the Best Orange Marmalade Croissant

Add a Sprinkle: For an extra touch, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar over the tops of the warm croissants before serving.
Spice it Up: A pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom added to the filling can create a lovely warm spice note.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before filling the croissants.
Storage: Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, although they are best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through.
Serving: Serve warm.

Key Details

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-22 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment you’ll need: Baking sheet, parchment paper, medium bowl, hand mixer or whisk, pastry brush.

Orange Marmalade Croissants

Elevate store-bought croissants with a vibrant orange marmalade filling for a delightful brunch or breakfast treat. Buttery, flaky, and citrusy, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine French

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 large store-bought croissants
1/2 cup orange marmalade
2 ounces cream cheese softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, orange marmalade, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth.
Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, almost all the way through, leaving a hinge.
Gently open each croissant and spread a generous amount of the orange marmalade filling inside.
Lightly brush the tops of the filled croissants with melted butter.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
Let the croissants cool slightly before serving warm.