Yes, we all love fresh croissants. But how do you store them?
Looking for the best ideas to stock up croissants? Have some croissant leftovers? Can you freeze croissants? We have you covered. In fact, you can freeze croissants either home-cooked, store-bought or unbaked. Let’s check out and keep them fresh!
What are croissants? What is the recipe for croissants?
A croissant is a flaky, buttery, fragrant pastry made with yeast-risen dough, which is usually layered with butter and needs to be folded several times. This is also the reason why the croissant features a lovely, flaky textured, and crescent-shaped roll.
Besides butter, yeast, and flour, the typical ingredients in a croissant also include salt, sugar, milk, water, and eggs. All these ingredients are necessary to make a well-backed croissant that is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
You can have croissant savory or sweet. Croissant also comes with a few types, for example, chocolate, apple, cranberry, butter, hazelnut chocolate, almond, and more!
No matter what flavor you prefer, you could have your favorite croissants recipe. You will love eating a croissant at breakfast, for dessert, or even for a mid-day snack!
Does croissant go bad? how long does a croissant last?
The answer is certainly yes! Croissant does go bad in a short time.
If left out directly on the counter, the croissant will last only about a day. Even you keep the croissant properly stored, freshly baked croissants can only last for like 1 to 2 days at room temperature.
So what can you do to maximize the shelf life of croissants? Let’s move on!
How to freeze croissants? (step by step guides)
Before you freeze croissants, you’d best ensure they are fully cool. Once your croissants are the same as the normal room temperature, read the following guide on how to properly freeze croissants:
Step 1: Wrap croissant tightly and individually
Wrap croissant tightly using plastic wrap. If you have more than one croissant that needs to be put into the freezer, then you should wrap each croissant individually.
One layer of plastic wrap is not enough to keep the air out. We recommend you cover the croissants with more layers of plastic wrap.
Step 2: Add freezer tape
Take a piece of freezer tape and use it around the croissants to secure it into place. This way you can completely keep the air out and maximize the shelf life of croissants.
Step 3: Put croissant into a freezer bag
After been carefully wrapped croissants, now you can transfer them into a freezer bag. You should ensure that there are about two inches of space on the top of a freezer bag.
Step 4: Squeeze out the air
The trick is to store croissants in to keep the air out. So you need to squeeze out all the air from the freezer bag. Grab the top of the bag and squeeze carefully.
Step 5: Put the bag into the freezer
The final step is simply to put the freezer bag into the freezer. To speed up the freezing process, you are suggested to put the freezer bag against your freezer’s wall. Do not forget to move the bag to the center afterward.
Tips for Freezing Croissants
1. Wrap croissants
Wrap croissants can prevent them from drying out. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to warp them before freezing.
2. Don’t crush the croissants
Never put any other food on top of the croissants and ensure the croissants don’t get crushed.
3. Freeze immediately
Freeze croissants as soon as possible. This way you can maximize their freshness.
4. Consume croissants within 2 months
If been properly stored in the freezer, the croissants can last up to a year. However, we recommend you eat them up within 2 months because you can enjoy the best quality and taste.
5. Don’t freeze croissants twice
Never put the same croissant twice into the freezer. If you cannot eat the heated croissant one time, it’s okay to put it into the fridge. Still, consume it as soon as possible.
6. Label croissants
This is quite useful especially when you have different types of croissants stored in the same freezer.
How To Freeze Baked Croissants
Homemade croissants require a lot of effort and time to make. To ensure have a delicious croissant at every breakfast, you should learn how to freeze baked croissants.
We have a step-to-step guide for you：
- Once the croissants are baked, let them cool down at a cooling rack until it’s the same as normal room temperature.
- Wrap croissants using plastic wrap or aluminum foil individually. You are suggested to add an extra layer to prevent the croissants from the air. The less the moisture, the longer the croissants last. So, never skip the crucial step.
- Put the wrapped croissants in a freezer bag.
- Press the air out from the bag.
- Seal the freezer bag tightly.
- Mark the freezing date and the type of croissants.
- Put the package into the freezer.
- Keep the freezer’s temperature at −18 °C or lower.
How to freeze unbaked croissant dough
Freeze baked or store-bought croissants are not the only option. You can also freeze croissants before backing and have freeze croissant dough for future baking.
We have a step-to-step guide to help you freeze croissant dough successfully:
- Make croissant dough as usual and shape them into a croissant crescent shape.
- Place croissants in a tray as soon as possible. Ensure they are not touching each other.
- Cover croissants with plastic wrap. Flash freeze the croissants for a couple of hours.
- Wrap each of the croissants using plastic wrap or aluminum foil after they are hardened
- Put them in a freezer bag.
- Squeeze out the air as much as possible from the freezer bag.
- Seal the freezer bag tightly.
- Label with the freezing date.
- Place the bag in the freezer.
- Maintain the freezer’s temperature at −18 °C or lower
How Long do Croissants Last in the Fridge/Freezer
Theoretically speaking, If you have wrapped croissants tightly and stored them properly, the freezing croissants can keep safe indefinitely. How amazing it is!
However, if you want to enjoy the decent taste of croissants, the longest freezing time is up to one year. Nevertheless, you would better consume your croissants within two months because this is the best time for your croissants to maintain their freshness.
When it comes to storing croissants in the fridge, croissants can last up to only a week without losing their texture and flavor.
What to do With Frozen Croissants？
Still, wondering what to do with frozen croissants? Looking for solutions to get flaky croissants as fresh as they are just baked from the oven? We have some best ideas for you to thaw and reheat croissants:
Step 1: Remove the croissant from the freezer whenever you feel like eating them. Then place the croissant on a plate and leave it on the counter for at least a half-hour until the croissant defrosted.
The best tip? You can simply leave frozen baked croissants in the refrigerator. This can allow it to slowly thaw.
If you don’t have enough time to wait, you can also quickly defrost the croissant in the oven. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to thaw foil-wrapped frozen croissants.
Step 2: Before you put the croissant in, it’s best to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Transfer the croissant to a baking sheet, then put it into the oven. Do not forget to peel the foil wrap.
Step 4: Wait for about 3 to 5 minutes till it is finished cooking. It is best to reheat the croissant in the oven at 185 °C.
Step 5: Remove the croissant from the oven. Place the croissant on a plate and allow it to cool for a minute.
Now it’s time to enjoy your croissant!
Croissants are versatile because you can eat them in various ways, such as pairing them with butter, fruit, jam, eggs, and mike, or whipping them up like a croissant’s French toast.
You can also put on maple syrup and whipped cream on croissants. You will love it once you give it a bite!
How to thaw and reheat unbaked croissants?
There is a little tiny difference to thaw and reheat unbaked croissants. Once remove the croissants are from the freezer, we recommend you leave them at room temperature to proof overnight.
Then peel the foil wrap and place them inline in a baking tray. You’d better cover croissants using plastic wrap and leave them to proof again.
Once you’ve finished the process, you can bake them as usual.
Freezing croissants FAQs
1. Can you freeze croissant dough?
Yes, you can. When freezing the croissant dough, you are suggested to put the dough into the fridge and leave it for a flash freeze. Next, wrap croissants tightly and individually using aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, then place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag and put them into the freezer.
2. Can you freeze almond croissants?
Yes, you can.
You can freeze almond croissants using the exact method we are sharing in this article. Besides, you can even use the tips to reheat the almond croissant too. Freeze almond croissants have a lower risk to lose their texture.
3. Can you freeze pain au chocolate?
Yes, you can freeze pain au chocolate. When comes to freeze pain au chocolat, it’s best to freeze them immediately after making the dough and shaping them. If properly stored, pain au chocolat can last in the fridge for about 4 months.
However, once you have baked au chocolate, do not try to freeze them. Want to know more? check the full guide on how to freeze pain au chocolate.
4. What is the best way to store croissants?
It depends when you wish to serve your croissant:
If you are planning to eat your croissant soon, simply leave them on the counter in the kitchen.
If you are going to eat fresh croissants within 36 hours, you can just put them in the fridge.
However, if you want to eat croissants beyond 36 hours, the best way to keep them fresh is to freeze them.
Summary
Can you freeze croissants? we believe you must have the right answer now. Next time you need to freeze the croissant, do not forget to follow the method we shared in this article. We hope this article inspires you so you can have fresh croissants all the time!
