Christmas Croissant: 7 Ways to Delight Your Holiday Joy

Name: Christmas Croissant: 7 Ways to Delight Your Holiday Joy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup milk, warmed; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 egg, for egg wash

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 2, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Ah, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something utterly magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet aromas of freshly baked goods during the Christmas season. One of my absolute favorite creations is the *Christmas croissant*. It’s like unwrapping a little gift of buttery goodness on Christmas morning! When those flaky layers come apart, and you catch a whiff of cinnamon and cranberries, you can’t help but smile. I remember the first time I made these croissants; I was up at dawn, eagerly waiting for the dough to rise, dreaming of how perfect they would be with a steaming cup of coffee. They make the perfect centerpiece for a festive breakfast table, inviting everyone to gather around and share a moment of joy. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can enjoy them warm from the oven or save a few for later. Trust me, once you try these delightful pastries, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your own holiday celebrations. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious *Christmas croissants*!

Ingredients List

To create the most delightful *Christmas croissant*, you’ll need the following ingredients, measured carefully to ensure perfect results:

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (just warm, not hot)
1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 egg, for the egg wash, beaten until smooth

Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the process smoother and more enjoyable, so take a moment to gather your ingredients! Trust me, this will set the stage for your magical baking adventure!

How to Prepare Christmas Croissant

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get started on making these delightful *Christmas croissants*! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and the end result is totally worth it. Follow my steps, and you’ll have a festive treat that’ll impress everyone on Christmas morning!

Preparing the Dough

First things first, we need to activate our yeast! In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and the packet of active dry yeast. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, frothy surface – that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

While that’s happening, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend forms the backbone of your croissant dough. Now, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter straight into the flour mixture. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because it creates those flaky layers we all love!

Once your butter is blended in, pour in the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form. If it feels a bit sticky, don’t worry! Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes, just until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it to be soft but not too sticky; add a sprinkle of flour if needed. After kneading, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size.

Shaping the Croissants

Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to shape those croissants! Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into triangles – about 8 to 10 should do. This part is so much fun, and I love the anticipation of what’s to come!

Now, sprinkle the chopped cranberries and pecans evenly across each triangle. Here’s the fun part: starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll it up toward the tip, tucking the point underneath the croissant to help it hold its shape. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; the deliciousness will shine through once they’re baked! Place each rolled croissant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to expand.

Baking Instructions

Before we dive into baking, it’s time to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to achieving that golden brown finish we all crave. While the oven is warming, brush each croissant with the beaten egg wash – this gives them that beautiful shine and color.

Now, pop those croissants in the oven and let them bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and trust me, your family will start gathering around! Once they’re ready, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, and relish the festive cheer they bring!

Tips for Success

To ensure your *Christmas croissants* turn out absolutely perfect, there are a few handy tips I swear by! First, always use cold butter when mixing into your flour. This is crucial for that flaky texture we all love. If the butter warms up too much, it won’t create those lovely layers, and we definitely don’t want that!

Next, don’t skimp on letting your dough rise. This is where the magic happens! Find a cozy spot in your kitchen, maybe near the oven as it preheats, and cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm. It should double in size, which usually takes about an hour. Patience is key here!

Also, when you’re rolling out the dough, make sure your surface is floured well to prevent sticking. If you find the dough is too sticky while kneading, just sprinkle a bit more flour as needed. Lastly, don’t rush the baking time – every oven is different! Keep an eye on those croissants as they bake, and pull them out when they’re beautifully golden brown. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy these festive treats!

Variations of Christmas Croissant

One of the best things about *Christmas croissants* is how versatile they can be! Feel free to get creative and switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a delightful twist, try adding chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, sweet surprise. You can also substitute the dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or figs for a different fruity flavor that still screams festive cheer!

If you want to add a little crunch, consider using walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans. You could even sprinkle in some orange zest for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the spices. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Each variation can bring a unique touch to your holiday breakfast table, making it even more special.

Serving Suggestions

To truly elevate your *Christmas croissant* experience, pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate. The warmth of these beverages complements the flaky, buttery goodness of the croissants perfectly. Imagine biting into that crispy exterior while sipping on your favorite drink; it’s pure bliss!

For an extra festive touch, serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can even add a side of homemade cranberry sauce for a tart contrast that enhances the flavors of those lovely cranberries inside the croissants. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best taste, but don’t worry if you have leftovers. They reheat beautifully, making them a delightful treat for days to come!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to *Christmas croissants*, it’s important to remember that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The estimates provided below are based on a standard recipe and are meant to give you a rough idea of what to expect. Each croissant contains approximately:

Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

These values are estimates and can fluctuate based on your ingredient choices, so feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs. Enjoy these festive treats in moderation as part of your holiday celebrations!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these delightful *Christmas croissants*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One common question I get is, “How do I store leftovers?” Well, if you have any croissants left (which is rare in my house!), simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Another frequent question is, “Can I make these croissants ahead of time?” Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. This little trick saves you time on Christmas morning and still delivers that fresh-baked taste. You’ll impress your family with minimal stress – trust me, it’s a win-win!