Boston Cream Pie Croissants

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon with a soft, chewy texture and a sweet surprise inside. These cookies feature a tangy lemon filling tucked inside two buttery lemon cookie layers, creating a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect for lemon lovers, these cookies are a fun twist on traditional lemon desserts. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a dessert for a gathering, Stuffed Lemon Cookies are sure to please with their balance of sweetness and tartness.

I remember the first time I made these for a family get-together. The zesty lemon aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to try them. What’s great about these cookies is how they bring a refreshing twist to the usual cookie experience—the soft, chewy texture pairs beautifully with the tangy filling. You can enjoy them plain, or take it up a notch by dusting them with powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for a little extra sweetness.

Making these cookies is surprisingly simple, too. With just a few ingredients, you can easily create a batch of cookies that look and taste like a gourmet treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your citrus cravings, these Stuffed Lemon Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast gatherings
  • Brunches
  • Special occasions
  • Dessert lovers
  • Croissant enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Boston Cream Pie Croissants will quickly become a favorite treat:

  • Flaky, Buttery Croissants: The croissant dough provides a crispy, buttery exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
  • Rich Vanilla Custard: The silky custard filling adds a decadent touch, bringing the classic Boston Cream Pie flavor into each croissant.
  • Chocolate Ganache Topping: The glossy ganache creates a rich, sweet topping that perfectly complements the vanilla custard.
  • Customizable: These croissants are easy to make and customize, whether you use store-bought croissants or homemade dough.
  • Impressive Yet Easy: The combination of familiar flavors in a croissant form is both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare, ideal for brunch or dessert.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes (for custard)
  • Servings: 8 croissants
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Boston Cream Pie Croissants:

For the Vanilla Custard:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Croissants:

  • 8 large croissants (store-bought or homemade)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Ingredient Highlights

  • Whole Milk: Provides a rich, creamy base for the custard.
  • Egg Yolks: Help thicken the custard and add richness.
  • Croissants: The flaky pastry acts as the perfect vessel for the custard and ganache.
  • Semisweet Chocolate: Creates a smooth, rich ganache topping.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the custard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Boston Cream Pie Croissants:

Prepare the Vanilla Custard:

  1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
  2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: While the milk heats, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until well combined. Add the cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
  3. Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour a small amount of hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add the rest of the hot milk while continuing to whisk.
  4. Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 5 minutes.
  5. Finish the Custard: Once thickened, remove the custard from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Cool the Custard: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool.

Assemble the Croissants:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Croissants: Cut each croissant in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom for each croissant.
  3. Fill the Croissants: Spoon a generous amount of vanilla custard into the bottom half of each croissant. Place the top half back on top of the custard-filled bottom half, pressing gently.
  4. Bake the Croissants: Arrange the filled croissants on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the croissants are golden and crispy.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

  1. Make the Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  2. Add Butter: Stir in the butter until the ganache is shiny and smooth.

Finish the Croissants:

  1. Top with Ganache: Spoon or drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of each filled croissant. Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

  • With Fresh Berries: Pair with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich croissants.
  • For a Special Breakfast: Serve as part of a decadent breakfast spread for family or guests.
  • As a Dessert: Perfect for dinner parties or as an after-dinner treat.
  • With Coffee or Tea: These croissants pair wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
  • Drizzled with Extra Ganache: For a more indulgent touch, drizzle extra ganache over the croissants right before serving.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure the custard is completely chilled before filling the croissants to prevent it from melting.
  • Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor.
  • You can prepare the custard and ganache in advance and assemble the croissants when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chocolate Hazelnut Ganache Boston Cream Croissants
  2. Coffee-Infused Custard Croissants
  3. Vegan Boston Cream Pie Croissants (using plant-based milk and butter)
  4. Raspberry-Lemon Boston Cream Croissants
  5. Salted Caramel Ganache Croissants
  6. Almond Cream Filling Croissants
  7. Coconut Boston Cream Croissants
  8. Mini Boston Cream Croissants (bite-sized)
  9. Orange Zest Custard Croissants
  10. Pistachio Boston Cream Croissants

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked filled croissants before adding ganache for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding extra time if necessary.
  • Storage: Store leftover croissants in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Special Equipment

  • Electric mixer (optional for custard)
  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Food processor or pastry cutter (if making homemade croissants)

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use store-bought custard? Yes, feel free to use store-bought custard to save time.
  2. Can I make these croissants ahead of time? Yes, prepare the filling and ganache ahead, and assemble them just before serving.
  3. Can I make these without eggs? Yes, use egg substitutes like cornstarch or silken tofu for a vegan version.
  4. How do I keep the croissants fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  5. Can I freeze the filled croissants? Yes, freeze them before baking, and bake them when needed.

Conclusion

Boston Cream Pie Croissants are a showstopping treat that brings together the best of both worlds: the flaky, buttery layers of croissants and the rich, creamy filling of Boston Cream Pie. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the crispy, golden exterior to the smooth, indulgent custard filling.

Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a decadent dessert, these croissants are sure to wow your guests and make any occasion feel extra special. Their elegant yet simple nature makes them a must-try, and they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!

I’d love to see how your Boston Cream Pie Croissants turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!

Leave a Comment