These Cream Cheese and Strawberry Croissants are something special. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a delightful dessert, or even a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.
I love how the flaky, buttery layers of the croissant pair with the tangy cream cheese filling and sweet, vibrant strawberries. It’s a combination that just works beautifully!
It’s also incredibly easy to make.
Recipe Overview: Cream Cheese and Strawberry Croissant
This dish is essentially a dreamy combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit. Imagine biting into a warm, golden croissant, and getting that perfect mix of textures and flavors.
The croissants themselves are buttery and light. The cream cheese provides a wonderful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
The fresh strawberries bring a bright, fruity note to the whole experience, making it feel both indulgent and refreshing at the same time.
You can serve these at room temperature, but they’re especially amazing when slightly warm, so the filling is a bit melty. They’re fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a larger brunch spread.
Detailed Ingredients for Cream Cheese and Strawberry Croissant
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious treats:
- Croissants: 4 large, store-bought croissants. You want them to be fairly fresh, so they’re still soft and pliable.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. You can take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start.
- Powdered Sugar: 1/4 cup. This adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon. A little vanilla enhances the flavor of the filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, sliced. Make sure they’re ripe and sweet! You could substitute with other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, if you prefer.
- Egg: 1, for egg wash (optional, but recommended). This will help give the croissants a lovely golden-brown color as they bake.
- Coarse Sugar: for sprinkling (optional).
Step-by-Step Instructions for our Croissant Recipe
Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these cream cheese and strawberry croissants:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the croissants from sticking.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat together with a hand mixer or a whisk until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Prepare the Croissants: Split the croissants lengthwise with a serrated knife.
- Fill the croissants: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling evenly onto the bottom half of each croissant.
- Add the strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Close and prepare for baking: Carefully place the top half of each croissant back on. If you’re using the egg wash, lightly beat the egg in a small bowl. Gently brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. This will give them a nice golden sheen.
- Bake: Place the prepared croissants on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool and serve: Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Variations & Tips for the Best Strawberry Croissant
- Berry Variations: Feel free to use other berries instead of strawberries! Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries would all be delicious.
- Add a Citrus Twist: A little lemon or orange zest added to the cream cheese filling can provide a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the croissants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a day before baking. Add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Storage: Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve these with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment you’ll need: Baking sheet, parchment paper, medium bowl, hand mixer (or whisk), small bowl, pastry brush (optional).
Cream Cheese and Strawberry Croissant
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- 1 egg optional, for egg wash
- Coarse sugar optional, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Split the croissants lengthwise with a serrated knife.
- Spread cream cheese filling on the bottom half of each croissant.
- Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Place the top half of each croissant back on.
- If using egg wash, brush tops of croissants with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.