These Easy Gruyère Croissants are flaky, buttery, cheesy, and far simpler than traditional croissants. Made in under 2 hours without the lengthy folding and rising process, they’re the perfect addition to any holiday table or cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flaky layers without the hassle of traditional croissants
• Loaded with rich Gruyère cheese for a savory flavor
• Quick prep and bake time
• Impressive presentation with minimal effort
• Ideal for holiday meals, dinner parties, or a special breakfast
• Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead prep

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Croissants:

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) Rapid Rise yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 cup warm whole milk
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold salted butter, sliced into thin pieces
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, beaten together, for brushing

Cranberry Honey Butter:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon honey

directions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add 1 cup of grated Gruyère and mix to combine.
2. Pour in warm milk, honey, one egg, and room-temperature butter. Using the dough hook, mix until a smooth dough forms (4–5 minutes). Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes or up to a few hours.
3. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Layer thin cold butter slices down the middle third of the dough.
4. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter. Roll it out again and repeat the fold. Then roll it into a 25×9-inch rectangle.
5. Slice into 14–16 long triangles, about 3 inches wide. Sprinkle remaining cheese over each, roll into croissants, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Freeze the croissants for 15–20 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush croissants with egg wash and bake 16–20 minutes, until golden brown.
8. For the cranberry butter, mix the butter, cranberries, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
9. Serve warm with cranberry butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 14 croissants
• Prep time: 45 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Rest time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• No cheese: Simply omit the Gruyère for a plain buttery croissant.
• Extra cheese: Double the Gruyère for an even richer flavor.
• Sweet version: Skip the cheese and add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before rolling.
• Different cheese: Swap Gruyère for sharp cheddar, Swiss, or fontina.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.
• Freezing (unbaked): Freeze shaped croissants before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, then bake.
• Freezing (baked): Cool completely and freeze. Reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes, dissolve it in warm milk and honey first. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy before continuing.

Do I need a stand mixer?

A stand mixer makes it easier, but you can knead the dough by hand if needed.

Why freeze the croissants before baking?

Freezing firms up the butter to help create flaky layers during baking.

Can I make them the night before?

Yes, shape and refrigerate overnight. Let sit 30 minutes before baking.

What if I don’t have Gruyère?

Use Swiss, fontina, or any good melting cheese as a substitute.

How thin should the butter slices be?

As thin as possible—use a sharp knife or cheese slicer.

Can I skip the cranberry butter?

Yes, but it adds a delicious sweet-savory contrast.

What causes butter to leak out?

Butter that’s not cold enough or dough that isn’t chilled can cause leakage.

Are these like traditional croissants?

They’re inspired by croissants but much quicker and easier, with fewer folds and rest times.

Can I make mini croissants?

Yes, cut smaller triangles and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Conclusion

These Easy Gruyère Croissants bring the magic of buttery, cheesy pastry to your table in a fraction of the time. With their irresistible flaky layers and rich flavor, they’re guaranteed to impress guests and become a go-to recipe for holidays and special occasions.

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