Gooey chocolate chip cookie dough meets buttery croissants in this viral pastry sensation. Each croissant is split and generously stuffed with homemade cookie dough, then baked until crisp and golden brown with a tender, sweet center. Enjoy this fusion of texture and flavor warm from the oven, optionally topped with melted butter and mini chocolate chips. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert idea, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in under 40 minutes. Serve as is, or for extra decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate or pair with a scoop of ice cream.
When I first made these viral cookie croissants for a weekend brunch I watched everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite. This playful dessert takes classic bakery croissants and transforms them into gooey chocolate-studded wonders layered with soft cookie dough. It is a showstopper treat that comes together with basics from the grocery store guaranteed to wow guests or upgrade your next cozy night in.
Ever since this treat made the rounds online it keeps popping up at family gatherings and dinner parties. My kids even love helping stuff and decorate the croissants with extra chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- All-butter croissants: Start with six medium or large croissants preferably day-old as they hold their shape better when filled Look for flaky texture and a deep golden color for the best crunch
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing helps make the cookie dough extra rich Choose high-quality European style butter if possible for flavor
- Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and a chewy texture to the dough Make sure the sugar is moist and not clumped for even mixing
- Granulated sugar: Gives structure and balances the sweetness Use superfine if you like a more delicate crumb
- Large egg: Binds the dough and creates tenderness Check for freshness by placing in water (it should sink)
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth Pure extract is best for authentic flavor
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough Sift to avoid lumps and achieve even blending
- Baking soda: Gives slight lift and prevents a dense cookie texture
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens flavor
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Chocolatey bursts that stay gooey after baking Pick good-quality chips labeled for baking so they melt well
- Optional melted butter: Brushed on top for added richness and shine
- Mini chocolate chips for garnish: Bring a bakery-style finish and extra chocolate pop on top
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Give the oven time to fully heat up so your croissants bake evenly with golden crispness.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a medium mixing bowl use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to cream softened butter light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat for at least three minutes until fluffy pale and fully combined. This step is crucial (proper creaming makes your cookie dough soft and rich).
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing just until the mixture turns glossy and cohesive. Overmixing here can cause a tougher dough so blend until just combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Add all-purpose flour baking soda and salt to the bowl. Use a spatula or low speed to mix until you see no more dry flour. The dough should be soft and a bit sticky. Gently fold in semisweet chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
- Prepare and Stuff the Croissants:
- Using a bread knife slice each croissant horizontally almost all the way through leaving a hinge on one side. Open each like a book and spoon in about two to three tablespoons of cookie dough per croissant. Press the top gently closed making sure the filling stays inside.
- Arrange and Garnish:
- Place the stuffed croissants on your prepared baking sheet with space between each. For an extra silky finish brush the tops with melted butter using a pastry brush. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips for a gourmet touch if desired.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer the croissants to your hot oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes watching for tops to turn deep golden and cookie dough to set yet stay gooey inside. Rotate the tray halfway through for even coloring.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the croissants cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them while still warm so the centers are maximally melty and luscious.
Best enjoyed fresh and warm Do not skip the step of creaming the butter and sugars (it truly makes the cookie layer extra soft and bakery-worthy). The mini chips on top are my favorite trick for making these look as special as they taste. Last month my youngest proudly sprinkled them for a weekend treat and it turned snack time into an instant celebration.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover croissant cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For maximum freshness reheat gently in a moderate oven for five minutes to revive the crispy crust and melty center. If you want to keep them longer freeze in layers separated by parchment in a freezer bag and thaw for a quick treat on busy days.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap semisweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate based on preference. Chopped toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch and richness (a favorite twist in our house). If you cannot find all-butter croissants use a quality store-bought version but avoid low-fat for best flavor and flaky texture.
Serving Suggestions
These are heavenly served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a decadent crowd dessert slice each croissant into thick sections and arrange on a platter with chocolate drizzle. Offer alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.
Once you fall for these you may be tempted to try new fillings all year round. The key is starting with rich flaky croissants and not rushing the creaming step for the dough (this makes all the difference). Happy baking and sharing
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
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Yes, you can use pre-made cookie dough for convenience, though homemade dough yields fresher, richer results.
- → Is it necessary to use day-old croissants?
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Day-old croissants work best as they're sturdier for stuffing, but fresh croissants can also be used with care.
- → How do I ensure the cookie dough inside cooks through?
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Fill croissants with a moderate amount of dough and avoid overstuffing. Bake until the tops are golden and dough is just set.
- → Can I add other fillings or toppings?
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Absolutely! Try nuts, different chocolate varieties, or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- → Are these best served warm or at room temperature?
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These are best enjoyed slightly warm for maximum gooeyness, but they're delicious even after cooling.