- Uses store-bought croissant dough for quick, bakery-quality apple pie croissants without long lamination.
- Reduce spiced apple filling until thick to prevent soggy bottoms and leaking during baking.
- Brush with egg wash and optionally sprinkle turbinado sugar for golden shine and extra crunch.
- Versatile: sweet, savory, or add mix-ins; store up to 24 hours or freeze unbaked for later baking.
Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by Souhail
There’s something magical about the moment when two beloved classics collide in your kitchen and create something even more wonderful than the sum of its parts. That’s exactly what happened the first time I swirled spiced apple filling into buttery croissant dough on a rainy Sunday morning in my Brooklyn apartment. The scent of cinnamon and baked apples wrapped in flaky layers filled my entire place, and my neighbors actually knocked on my door to ask what smelled so incredible.
These apple pie croissants are my go-to weekend treat when I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. They deliver all the cozy comfort of a slice of grandma’s apple pie but with the elegant, shatteringly crisp layers of a Parisian pastry. Each bite gives you tender cinnamon-spiced apples hugged by buttery, golden pastry that flakes apart at the slightest touch.
And the best part? You can make them with store-bought croissant dough for a surprisingly impressive result that feels totally homemade.
Table of contents
Why These Little Pastries Steal Hearts (And Hearts They Will Steal!)
What makes these apple pie croissants absolutely irresistible? Let me count the ways:
- The perfect shortcut magic: Using store bought croissant dough (like Pillsbury) means you get all that buttery, layered luxury without the 3 day lamination process. I love using shortcuts that don’t sacrifice an ounce of deliciousness.
- Spiced apple filling that sings: Simmering the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg creates a concentrated filling that won’t leak out and make your pastries soggy. It’s like the soul of an apple pie, perfected.
- That golden, flaky crunch: Baking transforms the dough into shatteringly crisp layers that give way to soft, spiced apples. It’s textural heaven in every bite.
- Totally customizable: Go dairy free with plant based butter in the dough, make it gluten free with certified GF croissant dough, or add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the apples. These pastries bend to your kitchen whims.
My Secret Tricks for Flawless Apple Croissants Every Time
You know how sometimes pastry feels intimidating? Honey, not these. Here’s how I guarantee gorgeous results even on my most chaotic New York mornings:
Always let your croissant dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before unrolling. Cold dough cracks and fights you. Warm dough stretches lovingly into those perfect triangles. And please, don’t skip reducing the apple filling until it’s thick enough to mound on a spoon. Runny filling equals sad, soggy bottoms and nobody wants that.
I also brush my rolled croissants with a simple egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) for that bakery style golden gleam. And if you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of turbinado sugar before baking gives the most delightful crunch.
Fun Twists to Make Them Your Own
Once you master the classic version, the kitchen becomes your playground. Here are my favorite riffs that keep this recipe exciting:
Caramel Apple Croissants
Stir 2 tablespoons of homemade or store bought caramel sauce right into the warm apple filling. The result? A deeper, buttery sweetness that makes these feel extra special. Drizzle more caramel on top after baking for maximum decadence.
Cheddar Apple Croissants
Fold 1/4 cup of finely shredded sharp cheddar into the apple mixture before filling. Sounds unusual until you remember that classic cheddar apple pie combo. The savory note cuts through the sweetness beautifully and adds a subtle complexity that will have everyone asking your secret.
Pecan Streusel Topped
Mix 2 tablespoons chopped pecans with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle over the croissants right before baking. You’ll get a delightful crunch reminiscent of my favorite apple crisp recipe with oats, but with that elegant croissant twist.
Savory Herb Variation
Skip the sugar and cinnamon entirely. Sauté the apples with thyme, rosemary, and a touch of Dijon mustard. These make an unexpected but gorgeous savory appetizer. They remind me of how versatile puff pastry can be, much like in my Pillsbury chicken pot pie recipe where store bought dough shines in unexpected ways.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm from the oven when the pastry is at its most shatteringly crisp and the apple filling oozes gently with each bite. I love arranging them on a rustic wooden board with a small pitcher of warm caramel sauce for drizzling and a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side for an impromptu dessert. For brunch, pair them with a sharp cheddar cheese board and a crisp sparkling cider. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes them look effortlessly elegant for company.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze cooled croissants in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. To reheat, place room temperature croissants on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid the microwave it turns flaky pastry rubbery and sad.
Creative Uses for Leftovers
Chop day old croissants into chunks and layer with Greek yogurt and extra apple filling for a deconstructed parfait. Or pulse them in a food processor to make buttery breadcrumbs perfect for topping baked fruit desserts, giving you that same cozy vibe as my pecan pie bars recipe but with an apple twist.
How Do You Make it
Apple Pie Croissants
8
servings15
minutes14
minutes245
kcalWarm, flaky apple pie croissants that bring together the best of French pastry and American comfort baking. Ready in under 30 minutes!
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Ingredients
1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated croissant dough
1 medium apple (about 150 grams), peeled, cored, and finely diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon water
1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
Optional: 2 tablespoons caramel sauce for drizzling
Directions
- First, prepare the apple filling by combining the diced apple, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and water, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened considerably. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Unroll the croissant dough onto a lightly floured surface and separate the triangles. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto the wide end of each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, gently stretching the dough as needed to fully enclose the filling. Place seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops gently with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before drizzling with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples hold their shape beautifully and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet pastry.
- Cooling the filling completely prevents the butter in the dough from melting prematurely, which keeps your layers flaky.
- For extra shine, brush with egg wash twice: once before baking and again immediately when they come out of the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Space croissants at least 2 inches apart so they can expand and brown evenly.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 8g
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 245kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0.45mg
- Sodium: 0.290mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 3g
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FAQs
Absolutely! Puff pastry works beautifully but won’t have the same yeasty flavor or slight rise. Cut it into triangles first, then proceed with filling and rolling.
Your apple mixture likely wasn’t reduced enough. It should be thick like jam, not runny. Also, avoid overfilling and always leave that small border around the edges when spooning filling onto the dough.
Yes! Assemble them completely, place on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Ensure your filling is completely cool before assembling, and bake on the center rack of your oven for even heat circulation. A preheated baking sheet underneath also helps crisp the bottoms.
Definitely. Assemble them, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding 3 to 4 minutes to the baking time.
I reach for Granny Smith for their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn work wonderfully too. Avoid Red Delicious they turn mushy when cooked.
Reader Interaction
I genuinely can’t wait to see your apple pie croissants come to life in your kitchen! Snap a photo of your golden, flaky masterpieces and tag me on Instagram @Wikitasty. Nothing makes my day like seeing your kitchen victories. And if you loved working with filled pastries, you absolutely must try my Nutella stuffed croissants recipe next it’s pure chocolate hazelnut bliss rolled into buttery layers.
Closing Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a pastry that feels both elegant and comforting, especially when it comes together faster than ordering delivery. These apple pie croissants have become my signature weekend treat the perfect balance of effort and reward. They’re the kind of recipe that makes ordinary mornings feel special and proves you don’t need a pastry degree to create magic in your kitchen.
Once you’ve mastered these, I think you’ll be ready to explore more pie inspired treats like my rich Texas chocolate pecan pie recipe. Now go fill your kitchen with that incredible cinnamon apple aroma you deserve it.