Croissant is one of the most favorite options for breakfast and snacks. It’s delicious, buttery, and can be enjoyed in many ways as is or with sweet and savory fillings.
Despite its heavenly taste, croissants aren’t the healthiest food you can get. Croissant contains a staggering amount of butter, which makes it high in fat and calories.
So, if you bought too many, you might want to enjoy it one at a time. So, can you freeze baked croissants for later?
Perhaps, you prefer homemade croissants. However, preparation is time-consuming. Can you make a big batch of dough and freeze unbaked croissants?
In a nutshell, yes, you can freeze both baked and unbaked croissants. Since croissants contain a low moisture level, they can freeze successfully.
Keep reading to find more information and tips on freezing croissants! In this article, we walk you through the complete guide of freezing and handling baked and unbaked croissants!
How To Store Croissants to Keep Them Fresh
Croissants are just like any other baked goods. They don’t last for long and go stale after a few days.
Freshly baked croissants, either homemade or from your local bakery, usually keep fresh for two days at room temperature. Pick a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
If you need additional time to finish a bag of croissants, keeping them in the fridge will extend the shelf life for 5 to 7 days.
Commercially-packaged croissants usually last a few extra days longer than homemade or bakery croissants. The former is typically prepared with preservatives to keep them fresh longer.
Either way, put this flaky pastry in a plastic bag or wrap it in aluminum foil to prevent from drying out and absorbing excess humidity.
To freshen up croissants, simply pop them in the oven or a toaster at 365 °F (185 °C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the pastry. Bake croissants until the exterior is crispy, and they’re ready to serve.
If you intend to store croissants longer than a week, freezing is your ultimate option!
How To Freeze Baked Croissants
If you bake homemade croissants, you know how much effort and time you put in the process. So, you don’t want any of the good stuff to go stale or wasted.
Whether you have leftovers or you want to stock up this French pastry at home, rest assured that croissants freeze pretty well. Make sure that you only freeze fresh croissants instead of stale ones.
Follow this step-to-step guide on freezing baked croissants (homemade and store-bought). When properly prepared and frozen, the croissants will taste as delicious as freshly-baked ones.
1. Bake croissants as usual and let them cool down at a cooling rack. Skip this step if you buy croissants from your local bakery or store.
2. Carefully wrap each piece in a plastic wrap or aluminum foil. An extra layer of protection helps to protect against excess moisture and freezer burn. Don’t skip this step if you want to freeze for a more extended period.
3. Pack individually wrapped croissants in a freezer bag.
4. Press as much air as possible from the bag and seal tightly.
5. Mark the bag with the freezing date.
6. Transfer the package into the freezer.
7. Maintain the freezer’s temperature at 0 °F (−18 °C) or lower.
How To Freeze Unbaked Croissant Dough
You can also freeze croissants before baking. Rest assured that you can make a big batch of croissant dough and freeze for future baking.
To successfully freeze croissant dough, check our step-to-step guide below. The key is to freeze the dough after shaping and don’t let it proof before freezing.
1. Make croissant dough following your favorite recipe.
2. After shaping the dough into croissant crescent shape, quickly place croissants in a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and flash freeze for a couple of hours.
3. Once the croissants are hardened, carefully wrap each piece in a plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
4. Bag them in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container.
5. Squeeze as much air as possible from the freezer bag and seal it tightly.
6. Label the bag with a freezing date and place it in the freezer.
7. Maintain the freezer’s temperature at 0 °F (−18 °C) or lower.
How To Defrost and Reheat Frozen Croissant?
When it’s time to serve, simply leave frozen baked croissants in the refrigerator to slowly thaw. Next, peel the foil wrap and reheat in the oven at 365 °F (185 °C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also quickly defrost and reheat frozen croissants in the oven in two steps.
First, reheat foil-wrapped frozen croissants for 8 to 10 minutes to defrost. Next, peel off the foil and reheat the croissant for 3 to 5 minutes until the exterior layer is crispy again.
For frozen unbaked croissants, you need to leave them at room temperature to proof overnight. Peel the foil wrap and line them in a baking tray. Cover with plastic wrap and leave to proof.
Finally, you can bake them as usual. Brush with egg wash and bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let the croissants cool down before serving.
How Long Can You Freeze Croissant?
Baked croissants retain their freshness for 2 to 3 months after freezing. It is possible to keep them longer, but the taste and texture might have slightly decreased.
Unbaked frozen croissants are also best to bake within 2 months after freezing.
FAQs
What is the best way to store croissants?
It depends on how long you want to keep croissants. If you’re going to enjoy them within a day or two, you can safely keep them on the counter. If you’re going to store them for up to a week, a refrigerator is your best option. Either way, wrap them thoroughly in foil or plastic bags.
Can you freeze croissant sandwiches?
Depending on the fillings, you can successfully freeze croissant sandwiches. Mayonnaise-based fillings do not freeze well, as the mayo tends to separate after thawing. Some of the best filling choices to freeze are cooked tuna, chicken, and hard cheeses. (*)
Can you refreeze croissants?
Contrary to popular belief, refreezing food doesn’t always compromise food safety if it is thawed in the refrigerator. Although safety won’t be an issue, repeated freezing and thawing might diminish croissants’ texture and taste.
Take-Home Message
Croissants are undeniably delicious and satisfying. So, whenever you have too many leftovers, just wrap them and freeze. Pop them in the oven to reheat before serving. This way, you can enjoy one at a time. Nothing needs to go to waste.
Unbaked croissants also freeze well. Make a big batch of dough, shape, and freeze for later baking. Freezing unbaked croissants allows you to enjoy freshly-baked homemade croissants anytime you wish without hassle!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
