Red Velvet Croissants

Name: Red Velvet Croissants: A Decadent Treat Awaits You!
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Posted on February 7, 2026

Sweet Treats

Introduction to Red Velvet Croissants

As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something special in the kitchen. That’s why I absolutely adore these Red Velvet Croissants! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring a little joy to your day. Imagine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake wrapped in flaky pastry. It’s a quick solution for a busy morning or a charming dessert to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Croissants

These Red Velvet Croissants are a game-changer for busy days! They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. The vibrant color and rich flavor will have your family and friends swooning. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert. With just a little prep time, you can create a show-stopping treat that tastes as good as it looks. Who wouldn’t love that?

Ingredients for Red Velvet Croissants

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Red Velvet Croissants. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of any pastry, it gives structure and texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that rich chocolate flavor, making the croissants even more indulgent.

Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the cocoa and enhance the overall flavor.
Baking powder: This helps the croissants rise, giving them that light and flaky texture.

Salt: Just a pinch to elevate the flavors and bring everything together.
Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it’s essential for creating those flaky layers we all love.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang, making the croissants tender.

Large egg: It helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
Red food coloring: The star of the show! It gives the croissants their signature vibrant hue.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

Cream cheese: Softened, it’s the perfect filling that adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
Powdered sugar: For sweetening the cream cheese filling, making it a delightful surprise inside.

For those looking to switch things up, consider using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or almond milk instead of buttermilk for a dairy-free option. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Red Velvet Croissants

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Red Velvet Croissants! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delightful pastry experience.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination is the foundation of your croissants, so make sure it’s well blended. The cocoa powder will give your croissants that rich, chocolatey flavor!

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving those flaky layers we all love. Remember, the colder the butter, the flakier the croissants!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. This vibrant mixture will bring your dough to life! The red food coloring is what makes these croissants so special, so don’t be shy with it.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Don’t overmix; you want it to be just combined. This is where the magic begins!

Step 5: Roll and Fold the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Then, fold it into thirds, like a letter. This folding technique creates those beautiful layers that make croissants so irresistible. Repeat this process a couple of times for extra flakiness!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up again, which is key for achieving that perfect flaky texture. Use this time to clean up your kitchen or sip on a cup of coffee!

Step 7: Shape the Croissants

Once chilled, roll out the dough again into a larger rectangle. Cut it into triangles, about 4-5 inches wide at the base. The size of the triangles will determine how big your croissants will be, so feel free to adjust based on your preference.

Step 8: Add the Cream Cheese Filling

Take a dollop of the cream cheese mixture and place it at the base of each triangle. Then, roll the triangle up from the base to the tip, tucking the tip underneath. This will create that classic croissant shape, and the cream cheese will melt into a delicious surprise!

Step 9: Let Them Rise

Place the rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for about 20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that light and airy texture. You’ll notice them puffing up, and it’s a beautiful sight!

Step 10: Bake the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly! Once baked, let them cool slightly before indulging in these decadent treats.

Tips for Success

Always use cold butter for the flakiest layers.
Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s crucial for texture.
Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform croissants.
Experiment with the cream cheese filling by adding spices or chocolate chips.

Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A large bowl for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet ingredients.
Pastry cutter: Alternatively, you can use your fingers to incorporate the butter.

Rolling pin: A must for rolling out the dough; a wine bottle works in a pinch!
Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Plastic wrap: To cover the dough while it chills.

Variations of Red Velvet Croissants

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cream cheese filling for a crunchy texture.

Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips with the cream cheese for an extra chocolatey surprise.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the buttermilk with almond milk and use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly treat.

Fruit Fusion: Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam inside the croissants for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Croissants

Pair with Coffee: A rich cup of coffee or a latte complements the sweetness perfectly.
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

FAQs about Red Velvet Croissants

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk replacement!

How do I store leftover croissants?

To keep your Red Velvet Croissants fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each croissant in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

Can I use a different filling?

Of course! While the cream cheese filling is delightful, feel free to get creative. You can use Nutella, fruit preserves, or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor experience. The possibilities are endless!

Why are my croissants not flaky?

If your croissants aren’t as flaky as you’d like, it could be due to warm butter or overmixing the dough. Always ensure your butter is cold and handle the dough gently to maintain those lovely layers!

Final Thoughts

Making Red Velvet Croissants is more than just baking; it’s about creating moments of joy in your kitchen. The vibrant color and rich flavor bring a sense of celebration to any day, whether it’s a special occasion or just a Tuesday. I love how these croissants can turn an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary. Plus, the smiles on my family’s faces when they take that first bite are priceless. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delightful journey of making these decadent treats. You won’t regret it!