You’re looking for the best croissant in Philadelphia, but you don’t know where to start. The search for a great croissant is never easy. There are so many bakeries and each one has their own take on this classic pastry.
Some have flaky layers while others are thick and doughy. And then there’s the buttery flavor that can range from sweet to savory or even salty depending on what you’re craving.
We’ve done all of the hard work for you! Our list includes some of our favorite places as well as those that we think will suit your taste buds too! So stop searching and get ready to enjoy a delicious croissant today!
About Croissant
What Is Croissant?
Croissant is a French pastry consisting of a choux pastry dough shaped into a crescent shape and then baked, or in some cases fried after baking, to create a buttery and crisp flaky layered pastry.
Croissants are commonly made in sheet pan shapes about 18 inches (46 cm) long by six inches (15 cm) wide with rounded corners. They may also be made in a smaller column shape, which is sometimes sold as a “tail”.
Croissant is a very popular breakfast staple food in France. The croissant is a crescent shaped piece of French pastry made from a layered yeast-leavened dough with a buttery, flaky crust. The word “croissant” has been derived from the Old French ‘crois,’ meaning “cross”.
History Of Croissant
Although, there is controversy on the origin and creation of the croissant, most authorities agree that it originated in Austria during 1683. The Turkish Moors were invading Europe and crossed the borders into Austria.
Legend has it that an Austrian baker invented a crescent shaped bread to celebrate the defeat of the Turks and the crescent moon became an emblem representing the victory.
Legend has it that croissant was invented in Vienna, Austria, in 1683 when the city was besieged by Turkish forces. The bakers who were making bread dough at night found that the dough was rising better because of the warmer temperature and the yeast from the bread. They decided to shape it into a crescent-shape to celebrate the Ottoman Empire’s defeat by the Austrian forces.
Croissant was first served to French royalty in 1686. In the late 19th century, croissants were considered a luxury item and were only eaten on special occasions. Nowadays, croissants are one of the most popular pastries in the world and can be found in almost every bakery.
The first modern-day croissant was made in France, which still enjoys a reputation for having the best croissants in the world. “La Parisienne” is a well known bakery located in Rheims that has been owned by four generations of women since it opened in 1872.
Croissant Taste
The flaky, layered pastry of croissants are enjoyed all over the world. The taste can vary depending upon the ingredients used to make them, but generally speaking it is light and airy in texture with a crisp exterior finished with a dusting of flour or icing sugar. Croissants have a mild, buttery taste.
How Croissant Is Made?
Croissants are not difficult to make, but they do require a little time and patience. The dough is made with yeast, so it needs to rise for a few hours. The croissants are then formed into crescents, rolled in butter, and baked.
The most difficult part of making croissants is that the dough should be kept cold at all times. This prevents the butter from melting and seeping into the dough, ruining its flaky texture.
Best Croissant In Philadelphia
When it comes to finding the best croissant in Philadelphia, it can be tough to know where to start. After all, this city is home to some of the best bakeries in the country. However, if you’re looking for a delicious and authentic croissant, these 10 bakeries are sure to satisfy.
La Croissanterie
This bakery is a Philadelphia institution, and for good reason – their croissants are simply amazing. From the flaky crust to the soft and buttery interior, La Croissanterie’s croissants are definitely worth a visit.
La Croissanterie is the best place for croissants in Philadelphia. They have a huge variety of flavors, from traditional to unique combinations like Nutella and banana. They also offer a wide selection of pastries, desserts, and coffees. La Croissanterie is a must-stop for anyone looking for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Beiler’s Donuts & Croissants
If you’re looking for a tasty croissant, Beiler’s Donuts & Croissants is the place to be. This eatery is known for their delicious treats and amazing service. Plus, they offer a wide variety of flavorful baked goods that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
La Boulangerie
La Boulangerie not only offers amazing pastries, but they’re also known for their incredible service. Plus, this bakery has a stunning interior that is perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking to celebrate a special day or just enjoy a delicious pastry with friends, La Boulangerie’s croissants are the way to go.
Bredenbeck’s Bakery
This family-owned bakery has been in business since 1942, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they offer delicious croissants that are perfect for breakfast, but they also have a wide variety of tasty treats that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
King of Falafel & Deli
Falafel lovers rejoice! This family-owned eatery has some of the best falafel in the city, and their homemade spreads are delicious too. Plus, they offer a wide variety of mouthwatering kosher deli sandwiches that are sure to satisfy any craving.
Beth’s Bakery
Known for their amazing bagels and tasty kosher baked goods, Beth’s Bakery is perfect for any hungry customer. Their fresh-baked pastries are simply irresistible; the only problem you’ll have is choosing which one to eat first!
French Bakery
If you’re looking for a delicious croissant in Philadelphia, The French Bakery is the place to go! They have a wide selection of croissants, pastries, and desserts to choose from, and they’re all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Plus, they’re open every day of the week, so you can always get your fix of French pastry goodness!
Manayunk Baking Company
This bakery is known for their unique flavors of croissants, such as blackberry and goat cheese. Plus, their pastries are all made with natural and organic ingredients, so you can feel good about indulging in a delicious treat.
Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies
Looking for something savory to go with your croissant? Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies is the perfect place to go. They offer delicious, high-quality cheesesteaks and hoagies that are sure to please any hungry customer.
These bakeries all have amazing croissants that will leave your mouth watering. They also have a wide variety of other baked goods, so if the croissant you’re craving isn’t available, feel free to substitute it for something else! No matter what type of bakery you’re looking for, Philadelphia has something to satisfy your cravings.
Philadelphia’s Croissant Recipes
Croissants are a light, flaky pastry that is usually filled with cream cheese, chocolate, or jam. They can be either savory or sweet, and they are delicious any time of the day! Here are some of the best croissant recipes in Philadelphia.
The French Bakery’s Croissant aux Amandes
This recipe is for a classic almond croissant, and it’s one of the best in the city. The French Bakery’s croissants are always fresh and delicious, so this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup blanched almonds, toasted and chopped
confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, add the warm milk, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Mix well with a whisk. Let sit for 10 minutes or until bubbly.
2. In a medium bowl, add the flour and salt. Whisk together to combine then set aside.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until you have a creamy mixture.
4. With the mixer on low, beat in the yeast mixture, egg, vanilla extract, and flour/salt mixture until just combined then increase the speed to medium high and beat for about 4 minutes or until all of the ingredients are well combined. If needed, add up to 1/4 cup more flour. The dough should form a ball around the dough hook and not stick to the sides of the bowl.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball then transfer it back to your stand mixer bowl that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap then let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into about an 18 x 14 inch rectangle with the long side toward you. Sprinkle on your chopped almonds then press them into the dough. Starting at the end closest to you, tightly roll up the dough into a log. You should have a long cylinder.
7. Cut the roll in half then cut each half into 4 pieces, for a total of 8 buns. Carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spritzed with cooking spray then cover lightly with plastic wrap then let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F then bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Beiler’s Bakery’s Croissant aux Amandes
If you’re looking for a croissant that’s a little bit different, then Beiler’s Bakery is the place to go. They offer a variety of unique croissant recipes, and this almond version is one of our favorites!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup warm milk
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature and separated
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract or almond extract (we used almond)
1 cup whole almonds, toasted and chopped
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, add the warm milk, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Mix well with a whisk. Let sit for 10 minutes or until bubbly.
2. Add 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined then set aside.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until you have a creamy mixture.
4. With the mixer on low, beat in the yeast mixture, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and flour/salt mixture until just combined then increase the speed to medium high and beat for about 4 minutes or until all of the ingredients are well combined. If needed, add up to 1/4 cup more flour. The dough should form a ball around the dough hook and not stick to the sides of the bowl.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball then transfer it back to your stand mixer bowl that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap then let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into about an 18 x 14 inch rectangle with the long side toward you. Sprinkle on your chopped almonds then press them into the dough. Starting at the end closest to you, tightly roll up the dough into a log. You should have a long cylinder.
7. Cut the roll in half then cut each half into 4 pieces, for a total of 8 buns. Carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spritzed with cooking spray then cover lightly with plastic wrap then let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F then bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
La Colombe’s Pain au Chocolat
This chocolate-filled croissant is out of this world. If you’re a chocolate lover, then you need to try this one!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or rum (we used rum)
1 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small chunks
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, add the warm water, 1/4 teaspoon sugar and yeast. Mix well with a whisk. Let sit for 10 minutes or until bubbly.
2. Add 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined then set aside.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until you have a creamy mixture.
4. With the mixer on low, beat in the yeast mixture, eggs (one at a time), vanilla extract, and flour/salt mixture until just combined then increase the speed to medium high and beat for about 4 minutes or until all of the ingredients are well combined. If needed, add up to 1/4 cup more flour. The dough should form a ball around the dough hook and not stick to the sides of the bowl.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball then transfer it back to your stand mixer bowl that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap then let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle that’s about 21 inches by 13 inches. Transfer to a baking sheet that’s been spritzed with cooking spray then set aside.
7. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together then sprinkle over your dough. Evenly spread on the chocolate chunks then press them into the dough slightly. Starting at the end closest to you, tightly roll the dough up into a log. You should have a long cylinder.
8. Cut the roll in half then cut each half into 4 pieces, for a total of 8 buns. Carefully transfer them to the baking sheet then cover lightly with plastic wrap then let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees then bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
FAQs
What is the best croissant to order for breakfast?
The best croissant for breakfast would be an almond croissant. There are many different flavors of croissants, but almond is one of the most popular. You can also have a chocolate croissant, which are also delicious.
What is the best croissant to order for dessert?
The best croissant to order for dessert is a combination of chocolate and almond. The contrast of the two flavors makes the croissant taste even better. The best croissant to order for dessert would be a chocolate croissant. Croissants can be filled with many different flavors, but chocolate is one of the most popular.
What is the best croissant for a snack in between lunch and dinner?
The best croissant for a snack in between lunch and dinner would be a savory croissant. There are many different types of savory croissants, but the most popular is the ham and cheese croissant.
You can also have a ham and cheese sandwich, which is very delicious. The best croissant for a snack would be an apricot, walnut and almond croissant. It is sweet and has many different flavors to satisfy any craving.
What is the difference between a croissant and a pastry?
A croissant is a pastry made from an enriched dough of yeast-leavened wheat flour, butter and milk or cream which is layered with the folded dough. The rich layering provides flaky and crispy layers when baked. A pasty, in contrast, is made from a much simpler unleavened variation. It contains only flour and water to enrich it.
Why are croissants so popular?
Croissants are popular because they are delicious. They are a pastry that is made from an enriched dough and layered with the folded dough. This provides flaky and crispy layers when baked.
Croissants can be filled with many different flavors, but the most popular is chocolate. They can also be filled with savory flavors for a unique taste. No matter what type of croissant, they are all delicious.
Croissants are a type of pastry that is made from an enriched dough. This means that the dough contains yeast-leavened wheat flour, butter and milk or cream. The rich layering provides flaky and crispy layers when baked. Croissants can be filled with many different flavors, but the most popular is chocolate.
What is the best time of day to order a croissant?
The best time of day to order a croissant would be for breakfast or dessert. A chocolate croissant would go well with breakfast and an almond, apricot and walnut croissant would go well with dessert. They can also be ordered as a snack in between lunch and dinner. There are many different flavors of croissants, so you can find the perfect one for any time of day.
Conclusion
Looking for the best croissant in Philadelphia? Look no further than the French bakery, La Croissanterie. They have many different types of croissants, including almond, chocolate and savory. No matter what type of croissant you order, you are sure to be satisfied. Stop by La Croissanterie today for a delicious breakfast or dessert!
That’s not an easy question to answer. Why not try all of them and let us know which you like best! If that sounds daunting, we can help you find the perfect bakery with our list of top bakeries in Philly (in no particular order).
We hope this blog post has been helpful and if it is, please share with your friends on social media or favorite foodie blogs. Bon appetit!