If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that feels like a hug in pastry form, look no further than this Easy Apple Cinnamon Croissants Recipe. These flaky, buttery croissants are filled with tender apple slices and a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, baking up to golden perfection with just the right touch of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these croissants bring cozy, delicious flavors together in the simplest way possible, making them impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Easy Apple Cinnamon Croissants Recipe are straightforward yet essential, beautifully harmonizing to create layers of flavor, texture, and warmth. Each element—from the buttery crescent dough to the fragrant cinnamon sugar—plays a crucial role in turning simple components into an unforgettable bite.
- Crescent roll dough: The flaky, buttery base that provides structure and delicate layers for the croissants.
- Apple: Peeled and sliced thin, the apple wedges add juicy sweetness and a fresh fruit element.
- Brown sugar: Adds warm sweetness that caramelizes gently during baking.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with that classic cozy spice aroma.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top to enhance browning and add richness.
- Extra cinnamon sugar: Sprinkled over for a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a light dusting of sweetness before serving.
- Vanilla glaze (optional): Drizzled to elevate the flavor and add a touch of elegance.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your croissants are assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—this small prep step ensures your croissants bake evenly and come off the pan easily.
Step 2: Mix Filling
Combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the luscious cinnamon sugar mixture. This simple combo is the flavor powerhouse that will kiss each apple wedge with sweetness and spice, setting the tone for the whole recipe.
Step 3: Assemble Croissants
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place one peeled apple wedge generously coated with cinnamon sugar at the wide end of each triangle. This assembly is key to ensuring each croissant bursts with that perfect apple-cinnamon bite.
Step 4: Roll & Brush
Starting from the wide end, roll the dough triangles tightly around the apple wedges, creating that classic croissant shape. Lay them out on your prepared baking sheet. Next, brush each one with melted butter—this seals in moisture and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the buttery tops for extra flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the croissants in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a glorious golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as that perfect color and flakiness can happen quickly. Once done, let them cool slightly, allowing the filling to set and making them easier to handle.
Step 6: Optional Finish
For an extra touch of sweetness and presentation flair, dust the warm croissants lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a velvety vanilla glaze right before serving. These little additions make your treats look as good as they taste, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself!
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and snowy look that invites you to dig in. Alternatively, a drizzle of vanilla glaze not only pretties up your croissants but also adds an extra layer of creamy vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apple.
Side Dishes
Serve these croissants alongside a cup of steaming coffee or chai tea to balance out the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform your snack into a decadent dessert, while fresh fruit or a light green salad makes for a balanced brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the croissants in a circle on a platter with little bowls of caramel sauce or apple butter for dipping. For a festive touch, stack them in a tiered dessert tray at your next gathering. You can also serve them warm wrapped in a cozy napkin basket to bring out all the inviting aromas right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the filling fresh, so you can enjoy that warm apple-cinnamon goodness even later without losing quality.
Freezing
These croissants freeze beautifully! Cool them completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen croissants will keep for up to 1 month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge when you want a quick, delicious treat.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the croissants in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry from getting soggy. This method brings back that fresh-from-the-oven flakiness that makes these croissants so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite variety—Granny Smith for a tart contrast, Honeycrisp for sweet juiciness, or Fuji for balanced flavor. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking inside the croissants.
Is it possible to make these croissants vegan?
Yes! Use vegan crescent dough if available, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, and check that your glaze doesn’t contain dairy or eggs. The rest of the ingredients like apples and cinnamon are naturally vegan.
Can this recipe be doubled for larger batches?
Definitely! The Easy Apple Cinnamon Croissants Recipe scales well. Just use two cans of crescent dough and double the filling ingredients, keeping baking times about the same but using separate baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough on hand?
You can substitute puff pastry sheets as a great alternative; they provide a similarly flaky, buttery texture. Just cut the puff pastry into triangles to match crescent dough size and follow the instructions as usual.
Can I make these croissants without peeling the apples?
While you can keep the skins on for added texture and color, peeling the apples yields a more tender filling. If you do leave the peel on, just make sure to wash the apples thoroughly and slice them thinly for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Cinnamon Croissants Recipe is pure joy wrapped in golden, flaky layers. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to whip up a cozy, impressive treat without fussing over complicated ingredients or techniques. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the delicious warmth of apples and cinnamon tucked inside buttery croissants—you’ll be reaching for seconds in no time!
