Easy Croffle Recipe (Croissant Waffle) , A Crisp, Flaky Twist You’ll Love
When I first heard about the croffle, I nearly rolled my eyes. Another food mashup? But then I tried one. It was flaky, golden, slightly caramelized at the edges, and had the crisp press of a waffle iron sealing in all the magic. I made a dozen more that same morning, and by noon, my kitchen smelled like a Parisian café had crashed into a brunch truck.
Croffles are what happens when a croissant and a waffle fall in love. And if you’re thinking they sound fancy or fussy, let me assure you, this easy croffle recipe is shockingly simple. Whether you’re using frozen croissant dough, store-bought refrigerated crescent rolls, or something more artisanal, it’s a no-fail kind of treat. And if you’re into creative pastries like I am, you’ll love experimenting with fusion recipes like this apple pie crescent bake too.
From Croissant Failures to Waffle Wins
Back when I was still learning to laminate dough (and Clementine, my sourdough starter, was more temperamental than helpful), I had a batch of croissant dough that didn’t puff right. It was buttery and flavorful, but not quite bakery-beautiful. On a whim, I tossed it into my waffle iron.
What came out changed my mornings forever.
That craggy waffle texture gave the soft layers of croissant dough a new personality, crispy ridges on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for cradling toppings like whipped cream or fruit compote. It’s a brilliant shortcut, and it’s what makes this croissant waffle a genius move for busy bakers or indulgent brunchers. If you’ve ever tried stuffed French toast waffles, you’ll know how much texture matters.
What Makes a Croffle Special Anyway?
A croffle isn’t just a pressed croissant. It’s a new texture experience. You get that signature buttery flavor of a croissant, but with the structure and caramelized edges of a waffle. And unlike traditional waffles, there’s no batter to mix, no guessing about leavening, and no cleanup mess from drippy pours.
The real beauty of this croffle recipe is its flexibility. You can go sweet or savory. You can prep them ahead, freeze them, or even stuff them with things like Nutella, fruit, or cheese. One of my favorite combinations lately is this whipped mascarpone topping I featured in my strawberry shortcake croissant bake—a gorgeous pairing for a warm croffle fresh off the iron.
And if you’re ever stuck wondering what to make for guests on short notice, keep some frozen croissants or refrigerated crescent dough in the fridge, and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser. For more flaky and fun brunch ideas, I recommend checking out these quick breakfast pastry recipes for inspiration.
We’ll dive into how to make croffles next, including tips to avoid burning them and how to customize them to fit your mood (or pantry). But trust me, once you make one, your waffle iron may never go back to batter again.
Print
Easy Croffle Recipe , 5 Sweet Ideas You’ll Love
- Total Time: 9 mins
- Yield: 4 croffles
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy croffle recipe transforms store-bought croissant dough into crispy, buttery waffles. Top with sweet or savory options for a versatile, crowd-pleasing breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Refrigerated Croissant Dough (see notes)
Belgian Pearl Sugar (optional)
Powdered Sugar
Toppings:
Fresh Fruit
Nutella
Biscoff Spread
Whipped Cream
Sautéed Apples
Jam
Chocolate Chips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough: Thaw or roll croissant dough depending on the brand.
2. Preheat Waffle Iron: Set to medium heat and lightly grease if needed.
3. Add Sugar Pearls (Optional): Press pearl sugar into one side of dough.
4. Cook the Croffle: Place dough in center of waffle iron. Press and cook 3–4 minutes.
5. Check for Doneness: Should be golden brown, crisp outside, soft inside.
6. Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s croissant dough work well.
Add pearl sugar before cooking for caramelized crunch.
Toppings can be sweet (fruit, Nutella) or savory (cheese, eggs).
Freeze croffles after cooling. Reheat in toaster or oven.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 4 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American-French Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croffle
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy croffle recipe, croissant waffle, croffle frozen
How to Make a Croffle (Crispy and Golden Every Time)
Making a croffle might sound like something you’d only find at a trendy café, but it’s actually one of the easiest breakfast treats you’ll ever make. The process is forgiving, fun, and fast, and whether you’re using frozen croissants or refrigerated dough, the results are always flaky and golden. This is exactly why I recommend croffles as a starter project in my sourdough pastry workshop series, because they’re simple enough to master and impressive enough to share.
Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy, just your trusty waffle maker and a few simple ingredients.
Basic Ingredients:
- Croissant dough (you can use Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s brands, or even crescent roll dough)
- Belgian pearl sugar or regular powdered sugar
- Optional: non-stick cooking spray for greasing the waffle iron
- Optional: Toppings like Nutella, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or Biscoff spread
If you’re wondering how croffles compare to other mashups, they’re quite similar in method to the technique I use in this banana croissant toast recipe, where the croissant is cooked to a crisp perfection on a hot surface.
Equipment:
- Waffle iron (classic or Belgian)
- Cooling rack (to keep the crisp intact)
- Small bowl or plate for sugar if you’re coating dough before cooking
Step-by-Step: Croffle Done Right
- Prepare the Dough:
If you’re using refrigerated croissant dough, just unroll it and separate the triangles. If it’s frozen croissant dough (like Trader Joe’s), make sure to thaw and proof it overnight or as per the packaging. - Preheat Your Waffle Iron:
Set it to medium. You want it hot enough to cook the dough through without over-browning the outside. - Grease the Iron:
Spray lightly with non-stick spray unless your waffle iron specifically advises against it. - Optional – Sugar Crust:
Press Belgian pearl sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar into one side of the dough. This gives the croffle a caramelized crust that’s unforgettable. - Cook the Croffle:
Place one dough triangle (or rolled croissant) in the center of the iron. Press and cook for 3–4 minutes, checking for a deep golden color and crisp edges. - Cool and Top:
Let it rest on a wire rack briefly to maintain crispness. Then top with your favorites—whipped cream, berries, caramel drizzle, or even a dollop of Nutella.
Once you’ve made a few, you’ll start to develop your own rhythm and favorite topping combos. It’s an excellent base recipe to build on, especially if you’re the kind who likes experimenting with creative waffle iron meals.
Best Croffle Toppings (Sweet & Savory Pairings)
Once you’ve mastered the basic croffle recipe, it’s time to dress it up. Toppings are where croffles really shine. You can go elegant or cozy, brunch-style or dessert-inspired. Whether you’re leaning into your sweet tooth or craving something savory, a croissant waffle is the ultimate blank canvas.
I always say croffles are the little black dress of breakfast, you can accessorize them a dozen different ways and they always look (and taste) amazing. When we host brunch at Marlene & Crumb, we usually set up a croffle topping bar with sauces, fruits, spreads, and a few unexpected twists.
Sweet Tooth Favorites
These topping combos are tried-and-true and absolutely delicious:
1. Fruit + Cream
Top your croffle with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, then add a dollop of homemade whipped cream or mascarpone. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for that bakery-finish look. This combo reminds me of my easy berry cobbler bake, but with crisp edges and layered texture.
2. Nutella & Banana
You can’t go wrong with a thick spread of Nutella and a few banana slices. Add a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts for crunch. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top.
3. Caramel Apple
Sauté sliced apples with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Spoon them over your croffle and drizzle caramel sauce on top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
4. Biscoff & Berry
Biscoff spread is magic on a croffle. Add raspberries or strawberries, then top with whipped cream or a thin dusting of cinnamon sugar.
5. Chocolate Lovers’ Croffle
Melted dark chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or even a spoonful of ganache turns this into a dessert plate. This one’s especially popular with kids, just like our s’mores crescent roll pockets, but flakier and more indulgent.
Savory Combinations That Surprise
Not in the mood for sugar? Croffles are just as good with savory toppings. Here are some ideas that’ll elevate your brunch game:
1. Egg & Cheese
Top your hot croffle with a soft-scrambled egg and shredded cheddar. Add some chopped chives or a touch of hot sauce for extra depth.
2. Avocado & Pesto
Spread smashed avocado on your croffle, add a swirl of basil pesto, and top with a fried egg or roasted cherry tomatoes.
3. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
This croffle twist on a bagel classic is divine. Add cream cheese, smoked salmon, thin red onion, and capers.
4. Hummus & Roasted Veggies
Great for a vegan-friendly croffle. Layer with creamy hummus, then pile on roasted zucchini, peppers, or mushrooms.
5. Chicken & Marinara
Use leftover rotisserie chicken, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Pop it under the broiler for a melty, pizza-style croffle.
You can even offer both types side by side, sweet for breakfast, savory for lunch. The versatility is part of what makes croffles one of the best quick bites you can make at home.
Frozen Croffles & Storage Tips
One of my favorite things about croffles? They freeze beautifully. Whether you’ve made a big batch for brunch or you’re prepping ahead for busy weekday mornings, frozen croffles are the gift that keeps on giving. Just reheat and top, no fuss, no mess.
At Marlene & Crumb, I often freeze extras for events or kids’ snack boxes. When warmed properly, they crisp right back up, and no one ever knows they were made days (or even weeks) ago. That’s the magic of working with croissant dough, it’s resilient and reheats like a dream.
How to Freeze, Reheat & Meal Prep Croffles
Freezing Tips:
Let croffles cool completely on a wire rack (this keeps them from going soggy). Then place them on a baking sheet and freeze flat for 1–2 hours. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This method prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab just one at a time.
Reheating Tips:
You’ve got options here:
- Oven: 350°F for 5–7 minutes (best for texture)
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
- Toaster: Great for a quick crunch
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds with a damp paper towel for soft texture (but you’ll lose some crispness)
Meal Prep Tip:
I often assemble plain croffles (no sugar or topping), freeze them, then reheat and add fresh toppings. This keeps everything tasting fresh. It’s similar to how I prep ahead for easy breakfast sliders, freeze first, finish fresh.
These make a perfect on-the-go breakfast, especially with a smear of peanut butter or jam. And for little ones? Try reheating in the toaster and serving with a fruit dip or yogurt, like I do in our kid-friendly lunchbox ideas.
Flaky Joy in Every Waffle Press
There’s something magical about merging buttery dough with waffle iron ridges. Whether you top yours with caramel apples or classic whipped cream and berries, croffles offer a delightful mix of texture and taste. They’re quick to make, fun to serve, and surprisingly versatile, from sweet brunch treats to savory snacks.
Once you’ve tried them, they’ll become a regular in your weekend lineup. Freeze extras, try new toppings, and don’t be afraid to play with flavor. After all, this little fusion pastry isn’t just about food, it’s about joy in every bite.
Now go preheat that waffle iron.
FAQ: Is a Croffle Just a Croissant?
What is a croffle?
A croffle is a croissant that’s been cooked in a waffle iron. It combines the buttery, flaky texture of a croissant with the crisped edges and ridges of a waffle.
Is a croffle just a croissant?
Not quite. While it starts with croissant dough, the waffle cooking method changes its texture and flavor. A croffle is crispier on the outside and often caramelized if sugar is added before pressing.
Are croffles healthy?
They’re definitely a treat, especially when topped with whipped cream or chocolate. But you can make lighter versions with whole grain dough, less sugar, or fresh fruit toppings.
What does a croffle taste like?
A croffle is flaky, crisp, buttery, and golden-brown. Think of it as a hybrid between a warm pastry and a crispy waffle. Add toppings and it becomes sweet, savory, or both.