Choose a fresh butter croissant if you want to serve breakfast on Christmas morning without having to use the oven. If you’d like to serve warm croissants at a set time, choose a ready-to-bake option and make room in the oven. Croissant dough lets you choose the size, but requires more preparation.
You want to put croissants on the table for Christmas breakfast without having to defrost or bake them first. A fresh croissant from the shop is a good fit, as long as you bear in mind that availability varies by branch.
You want to serve warm croissants as your guests sit down. A ready-to-bake option lets you choose when they’re ready, but you’ll need to consider oven space, preparation and storage instructions.
You’re also serving other bread or small dishes. Mini croissants or dough you can shape yourself let guests put together smaller portions, although you’ll need to allow time to shape and bake the dough.
For Christmas breakfast or brunch, first decide whether you want to serve your croissants straight away, bake them warm or shape them yourself. Then check the quantity, ingredients and preparation instructions for each product.
Ideal for: breakfast when you’d rather not use the oven.
Bear in mind: availability at your chosen shop, and that you won’t be able to bake them just before serving.
Ideal for: brunch when you want warm croissants ready at a set time.
Bear in mind: oven space and the storage and defrosting instructions for your chosen product.
Ideal for: a display where you want to choose the shape and size yourself.
Bear in mind: the extra steps before baking.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving straight away | Check that you’re choosing a fresh croissant from the shop, and decide what size you’d like to serve per person. | If you need the oven for other dishes, you’ll want to be able to put the croissants straight on the table. Around 33% of consumers prioritise minimal preparation. |
| Baking them warm | Check whether the product should be baked from frozen or after defrosting, and how long it needs in the oven. | If you want to serve the croissants warm as everyone sits down, plan the preparation around that moment. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Buffet portions | Compare mini, standard and large sizes; if you’re buying dough, consider how many portions you’d like to shape from it. | For a buffet with several dishes, you’ll want to leave room for everyone to try a variety of things. That’s why portion size is the first consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Choose the number of pieces to suit your guests, and read the pack instructions for after defrosting. | If you’re catering for a larger group, you’ll want enough croissants without defrosting more than you need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise reducing leftovers. |
The stated butter content tells you something about the ingredients, but not how different croissants will taste at your Christmas breakfast. Products also vary in size and preparation method.
Compare the label for butter content, weight, ingredients and allergens, then choose the preparation option that suits your plans.
The product instructions for the Jumbo and PLUS frozen options reviewed state that you shouldn’t refreeze them after defrosting.
Count your guests in advance and read the instructions on your chosen pack before defrosting the croissants.
Defrosting too many could leave you with croissants that you can no longer store according to the instructions.
A croissant included in a Christmas range won’t necessarily be available at your local branch on the day you want it.
Check availability at the shop where you plan to buy, and think about what other size or preparation option would work for your breakfast.
An option for a fresh croissant from the shop bakery, ready to serve.
An option if you want to bake the croissants yourself around serving time.
Mini butter croissants could be a good fit for a brunch with a variety of small dishes.
A fresh butter croissant for anyone who wants to serve straight from the shop.
Different options for a Christmas brunch, including a large ready-to-bake croissant and croissant dough.
A pack of butter croissants that makes it easy to plan portions in advance.
These Joybuy products are butter croissants for Christmas breakfast or brunch. The mini option could suit smaller buffet portions; check the preparation instructions on both packs before planning when to serve them.
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The mini size could work well for a Christmas buffet with a variety of dishes. Check the pack for the weight, number of pieces and whether the croissants need to be baked before serving.
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A pack of four croissants makes it easy to plan how many you’ll need for brunch. Check the pack for preparation instructions, ingredients and allergens.
No. Butter content tells you about an ingredient, not how a croissant tastes. Albert Heijn lists 25% for the AH Luxe butter croissant, PLUS 24% for its luxury large option and Jumbo 23% for its frozen luxury option. Also compare the size and preparation method that suit your Christmas breakfast.
No, follow the instructions for your chosen product. PLUS lists 20–25 minutes at 165 °C with steam for its luxury large croissant, while Délifrance lists 18 minutes at 185 °C without defrosting for its butter croissants. Plan your oven space according to the pack you buy.
Read the allergen information on the specific pack before serving. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS lists ingredients containing wheat and milk for the luxury options reviewed. Also check for any other listed allergens and warnings on the current label.
No, don’t assume that it does. The Voedingscentrum states that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. PLUS specifically lists iodised salt for its luxury large croissant; check the ingredients list for any other product.
