Mini croffles are a delicious hybrid treat that combines the flakiness of a croissant with the crispy, golden exterior of a waffle. This irresistible pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snacking. This irresistible baked good offers the best of both worlds for those who love croissants and waffles. Read on to learn why home bakers should add mini croffles to their recipe repertoire.
Benefits of Making Homemade Mini Croffles
Baking a batch of mini croffles at home offers many advantages:
- Cost effective – much cheaper than buying croissants or waffles
- Customizable – create mini croffles just how you like them
- Fun weekend activity – great baking project with kids
- Impress guests – serve mini croffles at your next brunch
Ready to get cracking? Let’s go over the simple ingredients and tools you’ll need.
Essential Ingredients & Equipment
Whipping up a batch of picture-perfect mini croffles requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
Ingredients
- Croissant dough – Pre-made refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry works well for forming the base of mini croffles.
- Eggs and milk – Eggs help add structure and richness to the dough, while milk contributes to a tender, flaky texture.
- Butter – Butter is essential for achieving croissant dough’s characteristic light, layered texture. Chilled butter is best for mini croffles.
- Sugar and vanilla – Sugar and vanilla bring a touch of sweetness that complements the buttery croissant dough.
- Salt – A small pinch of salt balances out some of the sweetness and highlights the other ingredients.
Substitution Options: Lactose-free milk or plant-based milk can replace regular dairy milk. Margarine can be used instead of butter for dairy-free or vegan mini croffles.
Necessary Equipment
- Mixing bowl – A roomy bowl is needed to combine the dough ingredients.
- Rolling pin – Rolling out the chilled croissant dough to an even thickness is easiest with a rolling pin.
- Waffle iron – Mini croffles achieve their signature honeycomb texture thanks to a waffle iron’s heat and grill pattern.
- Parchment paper – Lining waffle irons with parchment paper prevents sticking and eases removal.
- Cooling rack – Allowing baked croffles to cool on a wire rack helps preserve their crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Mini Croffle Recipe
Follow these simple steps for baking up an unforgettable batch of mini croffles at home.
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat oven to 200°F and place a baking sheet inside to warm. This will help proof the croissant dough.
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until blended.
- Add 1 1/2 cups croissant dough to the egg mixture. Mix gently just until combined. Do not overmix, or the dough will become dense and lose its flaky texture.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the croissant dough mixture to a 1/4-inch thickness. Handle the dough gently when shaping to prevent deflating the buttery layers.
- Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out mini croffle shapes from the dough. Reroll scraps as needed to cut more shapes.
- Arrange the dough rounds on the preheated baking sheet, spacing them 1-inch apart. Let rise in the warmed oven for 15 minutes.
Cooking the Mini Croffles
- Preheat a mini waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Lightly coat or spray the waffle iron plates with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Line the waffle iron with parchment paper and arrange 2-3 dough rounds on each half of the iron, leaving space between them for expansion.
- Close the waffle iron gently to avoid squishing the dough. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the timer beeps or steam stops escaping from the iron.
- Carefully remove the baked mini croffles from the iron and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Repeat steps 3-5 until all the dough is used, coating or lining the waffle iron between batches as needed.
- Mini croffles are best served warm right after cooling. Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat individual croffles in the toaster or oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions Mini Croffles
Mini croffles straight from the iron are delicious on their own, but you can also dress them up with either sweet or savory toppings.
- Butter, honey, jam – Top with pats of butter or drizzles of honey, fruit jam, or chocolate-hazelnut spread.
- Whipped cream, powdered sugar – Sweeten with dollops of whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Cheese, deli meat – For a sandwich, add slices of cheddar cheese and ham, turkey, or roast beef.
- Eggs, avocado – For breakfast, top mini croffles with fried eggs, sliced avocado, hot sauce, or bacon crumbles.
- Chocolate chips, berries – Sprinkle mini croffles with chocolate chips, fresh berries, or edible flowers.
More Mini Croffle Topping Ideas
The small size and versatile flavor of mini croffles make them the perfect palette for creative sweet and savory toppings.
Sweet Mini Croffle Toppings
For a touch of sweetness, decorate mini croffles with:
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Lemon curd or orange marmalade
- Apple butter or pumpkin butter
- Nutella or dulce de leche
- Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar
- Sliced bananas or strawberries
- Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries
- Diced mango, peach, or pineapple
- Pomegranate seeds or chopped nuts
- Toasted coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips
- Cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar
Savory Mini Croffle Toppings
To turn mini croffles into a quick meal or snack, top them with:
- Scrambled eggs and cheese
- Sliced deli meats like ham or turkey
- Bacon crumbles or breakfast sausage
- Lox and cream cheese
- Smoked salmon and capers
- Sliced avocado and hot sauce
- Refried beans, salsa, and cilantro
- Caramelized onions and mushrooms
- Pesto sauce and roasted tomatoes
Helpful Tips for Mini Croffle Success
With a few simple tips, you can master the art of baking picture-perfect mini croffles:
- Use chilled croissant dough for easiest rolling and cutting. Let refrigerated dough sit out for 10-15 minutes to slightly soften before shaping if too firm.
- Roll dough gently without overworking to preserve the buttery layered texture.
- Separate dough pieces immediately after cutting to prevent fusing together.
- Arrange shaped dough with space between pieces to allow for expansion as they proof and cook.
- Watch mini croffles carefully as they cook. Adjust waffle iron heat as needed to prevent scorching or undercooking.
- Use parchment paper or nonstick spray between batches to prevent built-up dough from sticking and burning.
- Let mini croffles cool for at least 5 minutes before topping or stacking to allow steam to escape and texture to set.
- Store completely cooled croffles in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- To reheat, place frozen mini croffles on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes until warmed through before serving.
Mini Croffle Variations
While the basic recipe delivers delicious buttery vanilla mini croffles every time, it can also serve as a springboard for creative variations:
- Flavored fillings: Stir a tablespoon of matcha powder, cocoa powder, pumpkin puree, or sprinkles into the dough for flavor in every bite.
- Spiced dough: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the dough mixture for a warming aroma.
- Fruity flavors: Fold diced apples, berries, or citrus zest into the dough or topping for a fresh fruit twist.
- Savory mix-ins: Blend shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or herbs into the dough for mini savory croffles.
- Alternative shapes: Cut dough into squares, triangles, or other shapes with small cookie cutters before proofing and cooking.
- Dairy-free/vegan: Substitute plant-based milk and margarine for the dairy ingredients for dairy-free or vegan mini croffles.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to remixing mini croffles. Let your imagination run wild.
Frequently Asked Mini Croffle Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making and enjoying mini croffles:
Can you use puff pastry instead of croissant dough?
Yes, puff pastry can substitute for croissant dough in a pinch. The end product may bake up slightly more flaky versus layered.
What is the difference between a mini croffle and a regular croissant or waffle?
Mini croffles combine elements of both croissants and waffles. The dough is similar to croissant dough but baked in a waffle iron to create a crispy, honeycombed exterior texture. Their small bite-size sets mini croffles apart from full-size versions.
Conclusion: Mini Croffles
Mini croffles offer a fresh take on two breakfast favorites – flaky croissants and crisp waffles. Baking a batch of these crave-worthy pastries ensures a fun weekend activity with delicious results. Customize mini croffles with endless sweet or savory toppings to suit any taste or diet. Mini croffles are the ultimate brunch crowd-pleaser and a budget-friendly way to enjoy a gourmet hybrid pastry right at home. Try this sensational mini croffle recipe on a lazy morning or for your next get-together. Then explore more ways to fill, top, and savor this hot new food trend.
Mini Croffles (Croissant Waffle) Recipe
Notes
· Defrosting croissants: If using frozen croissants, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature before using.
· Cooking variations: Experiment with different fillings! You can add a thin layer of Nutella, jam, or chocolate chips inside the croissant before placing it in the waffle iron.
· Leftovers: While best enjoyed fresh, leftover mini croffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through.
Ingredients
- • Premade Croissant Dough: This forms the base of your croffles, providing that flaky and buttery goodness we all love. You can typically find this in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- • Hazelnut Spread (Optional): This adds a rich, nutty sweetness that complements the croissant dough perfectly. Nutella is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other spreads you have on hand.
Instructions
- Prepare your waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. For most models, a light greasing with non-stick cooking spray or butter is recommended.
- Defrost the croissants (optional): If using frozen croissants, take them out from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Sugar dip (optional): In a shallow dish, prepare some granulated sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Briefly dip each defrosted croissant half in the sugar to coat.
- Cook the croffles: Place one or two croissant halves (depending on your waffle iron's size) into the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 1 ½ - 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately: Once cooked, carefully remove the mini croffles from the waffle iron using a fork or tongs. Serve them warm and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Nutrition Facts
Mini Croffles (Croissant Waffle) Recipe
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 400 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 20 | 30.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 10 | 50% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 40mg | 13.3% | |
| Sodium 300mg | 12.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 40 | 13.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2 | 8% | |
| Sugars 10 | ||
| Protein 7 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 0 | Iron 0 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cheen Huaye
Executive Chef Marco Velasquez brings his unique, elevated Mexican cuisine to Cheen Huaye. A native of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Marco honed his skills in some of South Florida’s finest restaurants before opening his own restaurant.
At Cheen Huaye, you’ll experience authentic Yucatecan dishes made from fresh ingredients, to order. Our food has been praised by publications like the Miami New Times and continues to receive rave reviews from diners all over. So if you’re looking for a different take on Mexican food – one that’s still familiar yet exciting – come visit us at Cheen Huaye!