Imagine biting into a waffle that’s crisp and golden on the outside, buttery and flaky on the inside like a croissant and a waffle had the most delicious baby ever. That’s exactly what croffles are. This viral breakfast and dessert trend has taken Pinterest, TikTok, and cafés around the world by storm, and for good reason.
Croffles are incredibly easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and deliver bakery level flavor with almost no effort. Whether you top them with fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or maple syrup, every bite is crunchy, rich, and melt in your mouth tender.
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a stunning brunch idea, or a dessert that looks fancy but takes minutes, this Easy Croffle Recipe (Croissant Waffles) is about to become your new obsession.
Croffles (croissant waffle)
What is Easy Croffle Recipe (Croissant Waffles)?
A croffle is exactly what it sounds like: a croissant cooked in a waffle iron. Instead of traditional waffle batter, you use store bought or homemade croissant dough, press it in a waffle maker, and cook it until crispy and caramelized.
The result is a flaky, layered pastry with crispy waffle ridges perfect for sweet or savory toppings. Croffles originated in South Korea, where cafés started serving them as trendy desserts with ice cream and gourmet toppings. They quickly became a global food trend because they’re visually stunning, customizable, and ridiculously delicious.
What makes croffles unique is the texture contrast. The waffle iron compresses the croissant layers, creating a crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and buttery. It’s pastry meets waffle in the best possible way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously easy: Just croissant dough and a waffle iron no mixing, no measuring, no mess.
- Bakery quality results: You get flaky layers and crispy edges like a professional pastry shop.
- Perfect for sweet or savory: Add Nutella, berries, cheese, eggs, or bacon the possibilities are endless.
- Pinterest worthy: Croffles are visually stunning and guaranteed to get saves and clicks.
- Great for any time of day: Breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a fancy snack croffles fit every occasion.
How This Recipe Works
- Butter-rich dough caramelizes: Croissant dough contains lots of butter, which crisps beautifully in a waffle iron.
- Pressure creates layers: The waffle iron compresses the dough, creating crisp ridges and flaky interiors.
- High heat browns fast: Croffles cook in minutes because the waffle iron delivers even, intense heat.
- Steam creates fluffiness: As the butter melts, steam forms inside the dough, creating airy layers.
Ingredients
Basic Croffle Ingredients (Makes 4 Croffles)
- 1 can refrigerated croissant dough (8-count)
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter (for waffle iron)
Optional Sweet Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips or chocolate sauce
- Nutella or peanut butter
- Vanilla ice cream
Optional Savory Toppings
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
- Cooked bacon or sausage
- Fried or scrambled eggs
- Avocado slices
- Hot honey or spicy maple syrup
Substitutions & Notes
- Homemade croissant dough: Works beautifully if you have time and skill.
- Puff pastry: A great alternative if you don’t have croissant dough.
- Gluten-free dough: Use gluten-free croissant-style pastry if available.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based croissant dough and dairy-free toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Turn on your waffle iron and let it heat fully. A hot waffle iron is key for crispy croffles. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissant Dough
Open the can of croissant dough and separate the triangles. For classic croffles, you can roll each triangle into a croissant shape or fold it loosely into a ball. Flatten slightly with your hands so it fits in the waffle iron.
Step 3: Cook the Croffles
Place one piece of dough in the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid gently—don’t press too hard, as the dough will expand. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking time varies by waffle iron, so check after 3 minutes. You want deep golden color and crisp edges.
Step 4: Remove and Cool Slightly
Carefully remove the croffle with tongs or a fork. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes to allow the layers to set and crisp up further. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Serve croffles warm with your favorite toppings. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, or pile on fruit and whipped cream. For savory croffles, add cheese, eggs, or bacon while the croffle is still hot so everything melts perfectly.
Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations
Make Them Extra Crispy
- Brush the dough with melted butter before cooking.
- Sprinkle a little sugar on the outside for caramelized edges.
Sweet Flavor Ideas
- Cinnamon Sugar Croffles: Brush with butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar before cooking.
- Chocolate Stuffed: Add chocolate chips or Nutella inside the dough before folding.
- Berry Cream Croffles: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a brunch-worthy treat.
- Caramel Apple Croffles: Add sautéed apples and caramel sauce for a fall-inspired dessert.
Savory Flavor Ideas
- Cheesy Croffles: Add shredded cheese inside the dough before cooking.
- Breakfast Croffles: Top with eggs, bacon, and cheese for a croissant waffle sandwich.
- Garlic Butter Croffles: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan for a savory snack.
Café-Style Presentation
- Stack croffles in layers with ice cream and sauce for a stunning dessert tower.
- Add mint leaves or powdered sugar for a Pinterest-perfect finish.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Croffles are best fresh, but you can cook them ahead and reheat them. Make them up to 1 day in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Storage
- Room temperature: Up to 1 day in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness.
Freezing
- Freeze cooked croffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a toaster, oven, or air fryer until hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Croffles are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad.
- Dessert: Top with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed cookies.
- Snack: Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy with coffee or tea.
- Party Platter: Make mini croffles and offer a toppings bar for guests.
They pair perfectly with coffee, lattes, milkshakes, or fresh fruit smoothies.
Nutritional Notes (Approximate Per Croffle)
Based on one croissant dough piece without toppings:
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 4–6 g
- Fat: 12–16 g
- Carbohydrates: 22–26 g
- Sugar: 4–6 g
- Sodium: 300–400 mg
Toppings will increase calories, especially chocolate, ice cream, and syrup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using a Cold Waffle Iron
A cold waffle iron will make croffles pale and soggy. Always preheat fully.
2. Overcrowding the Waffle Maker
Cooking more than one piece at a time can lead to uneven cooking and dough overflow.
3. Pressing Too Hard
Let the dough expand naturally. Pressing too hard can flatten layers and reduce flakiness.
4. Under-Cooking
Croffles need time to caramelize. If they’re pale, they’ll be soft instead of crispy.
5. Skipping Grease
Croissant dough is buttery, but you still need grease to prevent sticking.
FAQs About Recipe
Can I make croffles without a waffle iron?
A waffle iron is best, but you can cook croissant dough in a panini press or grill press. You won’t get the waffle pattern, but the texture will still be delicious.
Can I use puff pastry instead of croissant dough?
Yes! Puff pastry croffles are also amazing and slightly less buttery but still flaky.
Are croffles sweet or savory?
Both! Croffles are neutral and work beautifully with sweet or savory toppings.
How do I keep croffles crispy?
Serve immediately, or reheat in a toaster or air fryer. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.
Can I make mini croffles?
Absolutely. Cut the dough into smaller pieces and cook them in a mini waffle maker for bite-sized treats.
Are croffles kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love sweet croffles with chocolate and whipped cream. They’re great for weekend breakfasts.
Conclusion
Croffles are one of those recipes that feel fancy but are unbelievably easy. With just croissant dough and a waffle iron, you can create a crispy, flaky, golden pastry that looks like it came from a trendy café. Whether you serve them sweet with berries and cream or savory with eggs and cheese, croffles are guaranteed to impress.
They’re perfect for brunch spreads, dessert boards, or quick breakfasts, and they’re incredibly shareable on Pinterest and social media thanks to their stunning texture and presentation.
If you love easy Breakfasts like Banana Nutella Muffins or Greek Yogurt Parfait, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
👉 Save this Easy Croffle Recipe now and make the crispiest croissant waffles at home your brunch guests will think they came from a café!
Easy Croffle Recipe (Croissant Waffles)
Ingredients
Basic Croffle Ingredients (Makes 4 Croffles)
- 1 can refrigerated croissant dough 8-count
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter for waffle iron
Optional Sweet Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips or chocolate sauce
- Nutella or peanut butter
- Vanilla ice cream
Optional Savory Toppings
- Shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss
- Cooked bacon or sausage
- Fried or scrambled eggs
- Avocado slices
- Hot honey or spicy maple syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron
- Turn on your waffle iron and let it heat fully. A hot waffle iron is key for crispy croffles. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissant Dough
- Open the can of croissant dough and separate the triangles. For classic croffles, you can roll each triangle into a croissant shape or fold it loosely into a ball. Flatten slightly with your hands so it fits in the waffle iron.
Step 3: Cook the Croffles
- Place one piece of dough in the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid gently—don’t press too hard, as the dough will expand. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Cooking time varies by waffle iron, so check after 3 minutes. You want deep golden color and crisp edges.
Step 4: Remove and Cool Slightly
- Carefully remove the croffle with tongs or a fork. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes to allow the layers to set and crisp up further. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
- Serve croffles warm with your favorite toppings. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, or pile on fruit and whipped cream. For savory croffles, add cheese, eggs, or bacon while the croffle is still hot so everything melts perfectly.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use store-bought croissant dough for a quick and easy croffle shortcut.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron to prevent sticking and ensure crisp edges.
- Cook until golden and flaky—press gently but do not flatten the dough too much.
- Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, Nutella, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
- Sweeten with cinnamon sugar or honey butter for a dessert-style croffle.
- For savory croffles, add cheese, ham, or garlic butter before cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster or oven to re-crisp.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 410 kcal |Carbohydrates: 32 g |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugars: 6 g |
Protein: 7 g |
Fat: 28 g |
Saturated Fat: 15 g |
Cholesterol: 60 mg |
Sodium: 290 mg |
Potassium: 120 mg |
Calcium: 60 mg |
Iron: 1.8 mg
