Pistachio Cream Stuffed Croissants
Buttery, flaky croissants filled with a smooth and rich pistachio cream, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. These Pistachio Cream Stuffed Croissants combine delicate layers of homemade croissant dough with a luscious nutty filling for a decadent treat that impresses with flavor and presentation.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 croissants
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Croissant Dough
- All-purpose flour – 3 1/2 cups (440g)
- Unsalted butter (cold and softened) – 1 cup (227g)
- Whole milk (warm) – 1 cup (240ml)
- Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Active dry yeast – 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Eggs – 2 large
- Salt – 1 1/2 teaspoons
For the Pistachio Cream Filling
- Pistachios (ground finely) – 1 cup (120g)
- Powdered sugar – 1/2 cup (60g) plus extra for dusting
- Unsalted butter (softened) – 4 tablespoons (57g)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Whole milk – 1 to 2 tablespoons (to adjust cream consistency)
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a pinch of granulated sugar. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs and the yeast mixture, then knead thoroughly until a smooth dough forms. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour to rest and chill.
- Incorporate Butter for Layers: Roll the chilled dough out into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter over two-thirds of the surface evenly. Fold the dough layers over one another and roll it out again to create multiple layers. Repeat this fold-and-roll process three times, chilling the dough between each fold to keep it cold and ensure perfect flaky layers.
- Make the Pistachio Cream Filling: Grind the pistachios finely. In a bowl, mix the ground pistachios with powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk quantity to get a spreadable consistency. Set aside.
- Shape and Fill the Croissants: After the final rolling, cut the dough into triangles. Place a generous spoonful of the pistachio cream near the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough tightly toward the pointed end, shaping classic croissants. Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment for proofing.
- Proof and Bake: Let the croissants rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size. Lightly brush each croissant with beaten egg to achieve a golden glaze. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
Notes
- Keep the dough cold between folds to maintain distinct buttery layers, which creates perfect flakiness.
- Use fresh pistachios to intensify flavor and achieve a vibrant green color in the cream.
- Avoid overfilling croissants to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Allow ample proofing time for croissants to rise properly and develop airy texture.
- Brush the croissants gently with egg wash to get a golden crust without burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: croissants, pistachio cream, pastry, flaky croissants, nutty filling, breakfast, brunch, dessert