Peanut Butter Cup Croissants? Yes, you read that right! I’m combining two of my absolute favorite things: flaky, buttery croissants and the irresistible goodness of peanut butter cups.
These treats are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special dessert, or even just a little afternoon pick-me-up with coffee. What makes them special is that amazing mix of the crispy croissant layers with the creamy, sweet, and salty peanut butter filling.
Recipe Overview: Peanut Butter Cup Croissant
This recipe takes store-bought croissants and transforms them into something truly magical. We’re essentially creating a stuffed croissant, but with minimal effort.
Imagine biting into a warm, golden croissant, and instead of just buttery layers, you get a burst of melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
These are fantastic served warm, right out of the oven. They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
You can even serve it for a snack, with a little of chocolate milk.
Detailed Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Croissant
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious treats:
- Croissants (4 large): I recommend using bakery-style croissants, the bigger the better! Day-old croissants work perfectly fine, too, as we’re warming them up. You can find these at most grocery stores.
- Peanut Butter Cups (8 regular size): The classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter is what we’re after. Feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Egg (1 large): This is for an egg wash, which will give our croissants a beautiful golden-brown color and a little extra crispiness.
- Water (1 tablespoon): We’ll mix this with the egg to make our egg wash a bit thinner and easier to brush.
- Optional topping Chocolate chips.
- Possible Substitution: If you have a peanut allergy, you could substitute the peanut butter cups with chocolate-covered caramels or another candy bar you enjoy. Just make sure it’s something that melts well.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Croissant
Let’s get baking! Here’s how to put these croissants together:
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
- Slice the Croissants: Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, almost all the way through, like you’re making a sandwich. You want to create a pocket for the peanut butter cups, but still keep the croissant connected on one side.
- Stuff with Goodness: Place two peanut butter cups inside each croissant. Nestle them in there so they’re snug.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and the tablespoon of water until it’s well combined and slightly frothy.
- Brush and Bake: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash. This is what gives them that beautiful golden color in the oven. You don’t need to soak them, just a light coating will do.
- Add chocolate chips (Optional) Sprinkle some of the chocolate chips on top of the croissant.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’re looking for a deep golden brown color, and the peanut butter cups should be melted and gooey inside. The edges of croissant might be crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Let the croissants cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be very hot inside!
Variations & Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cup Croissant
Here are some extra ideas and tips to make these even better:
- Add a Sprinkle: For extra sweetness, you could sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top of the croissants after they come out of the oven.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle them over the warm croissants for an even more decadent treat.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the croissants (slice and stuff them) ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. Then, just brush with egg wash and bake when you’re ready.
- Storage: Leftover croissants (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes, or even just microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
- Serving suggestion: Serve them with a little of whipped cream.
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, small bowl, pastry brush, knife.
Peanut Butter Cup Croissant
Ingredients
- Croissants 4 large
- Peanut Butter Cups 8 regular size
- Egg 1 large
- Water 1 tablespoon
- Optional topping: Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each croissant horizontally, almost all the way through, to create a pocket.
- Place two peanut butter cups inside each croissant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash.
- Brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the croissant (optional).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and peanut butter cups are melted.
- Let the croissants cool slightly before serving.