Can You Freeze Croissants?

Yes, you can freeze croissants for 2 to 4 months whether they are homemade, store-bought or the uncooked dough. It is imperative to wrap them well so that they are airtight when frozen to preserve their unique texture and flavor.

How to Freeze Croissants

Croissants are a buttery, light and flaky layered super delicious type of pastry. They are characterized by their crescent shape which is where they got their name.

Croissants are quite a versatile food. They can be eaten plain, have savory spices added, have sweet fillings added as desserts or be made into sandwiches.

Unfortunately, fresh croissants don't last very long only 2 to 3 days. So, if you have a batch larger than you're going to eat in a couple days or come up perhaps you want to make them ahead for an event or occasion you're going to need a way to extend their shelf life.

Luckily, they freeze very well and can be frozen in just a matter of minutes. You can freeze all kinds of croissants from plain to film so whichever you like the most will work.

You can freeze store-bought or homemade croissants. You can also freeze them baked or the uncooked dough. The process is almost the same as freezing hot dog buns, freezing hamburger buns and freezing scones.

Freezing them already baked

If you purchase your croissants at the store or you've already baked them up and just want to extend their shelf life, this method is the one you want to use.

• Freeze fresh. Croissants have a very short shelf life so make sure that you freeze them right away so that they maintain maximum quality.
• Flash freeze. If you choose to do the next step of wrapping them, which is optional, you can skip this step if you want. The step is meant to help keep them from getting smushed in the freezer and also to keep them from sticking together.

• Wrap them. If you know you'll be keeping them the frozen for more than a month or so, it's a good idea to give them an extra layer of protection by wrapping them in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Pack them up. After you have either flash frozen and/or wrapped them, toss them into an airtight container or a freezer bag.

• Seal them and label them. Either place the lid on your container or press any extra air out of your bag and seal it shut with the zipper. Then, make sure to write the date on the container or bag.
• Freeze them. Toss your container or freezer bag into the freezer. If you're using a freezer bag, especially if you did not flash freeze first, make sure that they're in a spot where they won't get smushed.

Freezing uncooked dough

If you want to make some extra dough to bake for later or perhaps you don't have time to bake them after making your dough, freezing the uncooked dough is also an option.

• Prepare it. Use your favorite recipe and mix up a batch of dough. Then, make sure to roll in shape your individual croissants.
• Flash freeze. Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and pop it into the freezer for a few hours until they have frozen solid.
• Wrap them. The step is optional if you know you'll be freezing for longer than a month or so, it's recommended to get the dough a little extra protection by wrapping it in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Package them. Place them into an airtight container or a freezer bag.
• Seal and label. Go ahead and press out any extra air and then zip your bag shut. Or, place the lid on your container. Make sure to also use a pen or marker and write the date on the outside of the bag or container.
• Freeze. Go ahead and place your container or freezer bag into the freezer. Make sure that it's in a spot where they won't get smashed.

Top freezing tips

Whether you're freezing your croissants baked or as dough, follow the below tips to help them maintain their maximum equality and freshness.

• Freeze fast. Croissants don't last very long at room temperature or in the fridge, so if you're going to store them for longer in the freezer, make sure that you freeze them as soon as possible.
• Don't smush them. One of the unique qualities that make croissants so good is there flaky and light texture. Make sure that they are not being smashed in the freezer or this will compress them and ruin their light texture.
• Keep them air tight. The longer you're planning to freeze your croissants for the better wrap they need to be to protect from any freezer burn and texture changes.
• Cool them off. If you're baking the croissants at home, make sure that they have really cooled before starting the freezing process. Warm croissants will create condensation and ruin their texture when thawed.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Croissants

In order to maintain maximum texture and quality, it's best to defrost croissants by taking them out of the freezer and placing them in the refrigerator overnight. This way they have a slow temperature change and minimize any texture changes.

If you are in a super rush to defrost your croissants, you can technically defrost them at the same time you reheat them in the oven. If you choose to do this, be aware that they may have some texture changes.

Once your croissants have defrosted you may want to heat them up. The best way to do this is to place them in the oven at 350° for several minutes. Checking them regularly.

While you technically can heat your croissants in the microwave, I wouldn't recommend it as it makes them a little rubbery and hard.

Freezing Croissants FAQ

Can croissants be frozen and reheated?

Yes, croissants can be frozen and reheated. It's best to do this in the oven and not the microwave.

Do Costco croissants freeze well?

Yes, Costco croissants freeze just as well as other croissants as long as it's done the first day you purchase them.

Can you freeze already cooked croissants?

Yes, you can freeze already cooked croissants simply by wrapping them and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How long do croissants last in the freezer?

Croissants can last in the freezer for 2 to 4 months and still maintain high quality with the texture you know and love. They're safe and fine to eat indefinitely, however, the longer they're frozen the more the texture and flavor will change.

Can you refreeze croissants?

While you technically can refreeze croissants and as long as it is done fast they should still be safe to eat. I wouldn't recommend it as the multiple temperature changes will greatly affect the light, flaky texture.