Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Croissant

Name: Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Croissant
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 packet instant yeast; 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed; 1/2 cup milk, warm; 1 large egg, for egg wash; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup blueberries

Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection

I love indulging in the delightful combination of flavors in this Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Croissant. Each flaky layer offers a burst of tangy sweetness from fresh blueberries, paired with the creamy richness of a lemon-infused cream cheese filling. Baking these croissants not only fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also provides a comforting, satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Let's dive into the joy of making these delicious pastries together!

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-01-25T16:50:28.182Z

When I first developed this recipe, I wanted to create a unique twist on the classic croissant. By introducing a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, I found that the combination of flavors enhances the experience of biting into the pastry. I remember my friends raving about the brightness of the lemon against the luscious blueberries, creating a perfect balance.

One tip I discovered is to use fresh blueberries rather than frozen ones. Fresh berries have a more vibrant flavor and maintain their shape during baking, ensuring that each bite is bursting with juicy goodness. Adjusting the baking time slightly based on your oven can also make a difference to achieve that golden brown finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flaky, buttery croissant texture with a creamy filling
Bright lemon flavor harmonized by sweet blueberries
Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent afternoon snack

The Importance of Cold Butter

Using cold butter is crucial for achieving the signature flaky layers in your croissants. As the dough bakes, the cold butter releases steam, creating air pockets that lead to the desirable light and airy texture. If the butter gets too warm during mixing, you risk compromising these layers, resulting in denser croissants. I recommend working quickly and even chilling your mixing bowl and utensils beforehand to maintain the temperature of the butter.

When cubing the butter, aim for small, even pieces about half an inch in size. This helps ensure that it integrates properly with the flour while still remaining cold. If you're in a warm environment, consider placing the cubed butter back in the fridge for a few minutes before mixing.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Shaped Croissants

When rolling out your dough, maintain a slightly floured surface to prevent sticking, but be careful not to incorporate too much flour, as this can impact the final texture. Aim for a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. The thickness affects how well the croissants rise and create layers; if it’s too thick, they may not bake through, while too thin could lead to overly crispy edges and insufficient structure.

When cutting your triangles, ensure they are uniform in size; this uniformity helps the croissants bake evenly. For an instant flavor boost, feel free to sprinkle a pinch of lemon zest on the filling before rolling them up. This adds an extra layer of brightness that complements the blueberries wonderfully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious croissants.

For the Croissants

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet instant yeast
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 cup milk, warm
1 large egg, for egg wash

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup blueberries

Make sure to check that all ingredients are fresh for optimal flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Croissant.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Pour in the warm milk and mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest until smooth. Fold in the blueberries gently, being careful not to break them.

Shape the Croissants

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Cut it into triangles, placing a spoonful of filling at the base of each triangle. Roll up tightly, starting from the base and tucking in the ends. Place on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Croissants

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each croissant with beaten egg for a golden glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy your homemade croissants warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve maximum flakiness when baking.

Storing and Reheating

Once your Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Croissants have cooled on the wire rack, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and they’ll keep well for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature and then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method restores their crispness.

If you prefer to enjoy them fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it before shaping the croissants. Wrap the dough tightly and protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the shaping and baking steps as usual.

Possible Variations

While blueberries and lemon complement each other beautifully, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruits. For a seasonal twist, try raspberries or chopped strawberries in place of the blueberries. If you’d like to create a more tropical flavor, diced mango can be an exciting addition to the cream cheese filling.

For those who prefer a different cream cheese experience, consider swapping out the lemon zest for a splash of vanilla extract, creating a richer, sweeter filling. You can also add finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor. Each variation brings a unique character to the croissants while retaining that essential buttery flakiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

While you can use frozen blueberries, they may release more juice and change the texture. Fresh blueberries are recommended for best results.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone cheese or ricotta, but the flavor will slightly differ.