If you’re on the keto diet, you might think croissants are off the table. With their flaky, buttery layers, croissants are practically the mascot for carb-heavy eating, right? Not so fast. We’ve cracked the code to making keto-friendly croissants that taste just as luxurious but won’t throw your macros off the cliff. This keto croissant recipe gives you a rich, golden, and mouth-watering pastry without the hefty carb count.
So, how do you create a croissant that’s low in carbs yet maintains that delicate, airy texture we all crave? Buckle up—it’s time to whip up some keto magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Keto Croissants
For the Dough:
- 1½ cups almond flour – A keto staple. It’s fine and light, making it perfect for pastries.
- ¼ cup coconut flour – Adds a slight sweetness and helps to hold the structure together.
- 2 tbsp psyllium husk powder – This is your secret weapon for elasticity, replicating the chewiness of regular dough.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Just to give a little lift.
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum – Helps give that gluten-like stretch.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and highlights the butter flavor.
- 2 tbsp erythritol – To add a touch of sweetness without the carbs.
- 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – This reacts with the baking powder for extra fluff.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – It might sound odd, but melted mozzarella helps create that stretchy dough feel.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese – Adds richness and makes the dough pliable.
For the Butter Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Cold but slightly softened. This is where the magic happens for flaky layers.
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg (beaten) – This gives the croissants their golden color.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling pin (or something cylindrical like a bottle if you’re in a pinch).
- Parchment paper for easy handling.
- Pastry brush for the egg wash.
- A stand mixer with a dough hook or a strong arm if you’re doing it by hand.
- Patience—croissant making isn’t a “whip it up in 30 minutes” type of deal, but the result is so worth it.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Keto Croissants
1. Preheat and Prep
First, heat your oven to 350°F. Now’s also a good time to set out your butter for the butter layer, so it softens just enough to work with, but isn’t melting.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, xanthan gum, erythritol, and salt. This will be the base of your dough. These ingredients ensure the structure holds up while staying low-carb.
3. Melt the Cheeses
Here’s where keto gets quirky: melt your mozzarella and cream cheese together in the microwave. Start with 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. Don’t let it scorch! You want it to be gooey, not bubbly.
4. Form the Dough
Mix your melted cheese into the dry ingredients using a stand mixer with a dough hook (or by hand). Add in the eggs and apple cider vinegar. The dough will be sticky but should start coming together. If it’s too crumbly, knead it a bit longer until it feels cohesive and pliable.
5. Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough in cling film and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable if you want those croissants to puff up beautifully. Chilling helps the fats in the dough firm up, which later creates that coveted flaky texture.
6. Roll Out the Dough
Flour a large sheet of parchment paper with a little extra almond flour. Roll out your chilled dough into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. If it’s too sticky, just sprinkle a bit more almond flour on top. This is going to act as the base for your buttery layers.
7. Add the Butter Layer
Here’s the tricky part: spread your softened butter over two-thirds of the rolled-out dough. Fold the unbuttered third over the middle third, then fold the last third over that (kind of like folding a letter). Turn the dough so that one of the open edges is facing you and roll it out again. Chill for another 30 minutes.
8. Repeat the Folding Process
Now, this step is what gives croissants their flakiness. Repeat the rolling, buttering, folding, and chilling process two more times. It may feel like overkill, but each fold creates those buttery layers that separate and puff up during baking. Just imagine biting into those warm, flaky layers—yes, it’s worth it.
9. Shape the Croissants
Finally, roll the dough out into a large, thin rectangle (about ¼ inch thick this time). Cut the dough into long triangles. Roll each triangle from the wide base to the tip, tucking the point underneath to create that signature croissant shape. Curve the edges slightly inwards for that classic crescent look.
10. Egg Wash & Bake
Brush the tops of your croissants with the beaten egg wash. This will help them achieve that golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Tips & Tricks for Keto Croissants That Actually Flake
Use Psyllium Husk for Structure
Psyllium husk is the unsung hero in keto baking. Without gluten, keto doughs can sometimes turn into crumbly disasters. Psyllium gives the dough the elasticity it needs to hold together while baking, creating a stretch that mimics traditional flour. But don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way.
Don’t Rush the Folding Process
I know it seems time-consuming, but the folding process is crucial. This is what creates the layers that croissants are known for. If you rush and skip this, you’ll end up with buttery almond biscuits rather than flakey croissants. If you’re feeling ambitious, do an extra fold or two for more layers.
Keep Everything Cold
Cold dough and cold butter are your best friends. The colder your dough, the more distinct your layers will be. If the butter melts into the dough before baking, you won’t get that beautiful puff you’re aiming for.
Switch Up the Fillings
Once you’ve mastered the basic croissant, try filling them with keto-friendly extras! A slice of ham and cheese inside? Chef’s kiss. Or how about some sugar-free chocolate for a keto pain au chocolat moment? Game-changer.
Storing Your Keto Croissants
Leftovers—if you have any—can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can also freeze them. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Keto Croissants Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 4g (2g net carbs after fiber deduction)
- Fiber: 2g
Why these Keto Croissants Are the Best For Your Low-Carb Diet?
Croissants have always felt like a luxury item. You see them in fancy cafés or the bakery section at the grocery store, golden and glistening with butter. But the keto croissant? That’s next-level indulgence because it lets you have the best of both worlds—richness and flavor without the carb overload.
These keto croissants prove that you don’t need to sacrifice your favorite foods when you’re on a low-carb diet. Sure, they take a little more time and effort than just grabbing one off a store shelf, but the reward is totally worth it.
Whether you’re making them for Sunday brunch, a special breakfast, or just because you deserve a buttery, flakey treat, keto croissants will remind you that there’s always a way to make your diet fit you. No compromises, just better ingredients.
Now, who’s ready to roll?
Conclusion
Making keto croissants may seem like a labor of love, but trust me—one bite of that buttery, flaky pastry, and you’ll be convinced it was worth every minute. This low-carb twist on a classic indulgence allows you to enjoy one of life’s little luxuries without blowing your keto goals.
Whether you’re a seasoned keto pro or just starting out, these croissants are a delicious reminder that no food is completely off-limits when you get creative with your ingredients. Plus, imagine impressing your family and friends when you casually mention you’ve mastered homemade keto croissants!
So go ahead, treat yourself to a batch. After all, maintaining a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the finer things in life—especially when it comes to something as good as croissants.