There’s nothing quite like the experience of enjoying a fresh, flaky croissant, especially when it’s filled with warm, spiced apples and hints of caramel. If you’re craving that Starbucks bakery feel at home, we have the perfect solution. Our Homemade Starbucks Baked Apple Croissant recipe is not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself, these croissants deliver the cozy flavors of fall straight to your kitchen. Plus, we'll give you tips to make the perfect croissant dough and pair it with other delectable Starbucks-inspired treats like Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread.

Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Apple Croissant

Before we dive into the method, let’s first get the ingredients right. For this Homemade Starbucks Baked Apple Croissant, you’ll need the following:

For the Croissant Dough:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

1 packet active dry yeast

¾ cup warm milk

1 egg (for brushing)

For the Apple Filling:

3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin)

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp butter

A pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Drizzle:

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp heavy cream

1 tbsp butter

A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Starbucks-Style Baked Apple Croissant


1. Prepare the Croissant Dough

Start by combining the active dry yeast with the warm milk and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt, then incorporate the cold butter cubes. You’ll want to keep some butter chunks intact, so don’t overwork the dough. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and knead until you form a rough dough. Refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) to let the butter firm up, creating that iconic croissant flakiness.


2. Prepare the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, prepare the luscious apple filling. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir occasionally until the apples are softened and caramelized, around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, stir in the vanilla extract, then let the filling cool completely.

3. Assemble the Croissants

Once your dough is properly chilled, roll it out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Fold the dough in thirds like a letter, rotate it, and roll it out again. Repeat this process three times to create beautiful layers. Finally, roll the dough into a large rectangle and cut it into triangles. Spoon a generous portion of the apple filling onto each triangle, then carefully roll them into croissant shapes. Be sure to place them on a lined baking sheet with the tip of the triangle tucked underneath.

4. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each croissant with a beaten egg to give them a glossy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky. As the croissants bake, the butter within the dough creates irresistible layers of crispness, while the apple filling becomes warm and fragrant.


5. Drizzle with Homemade Caramel

To elevate these croissants, drizzle them with a homemade caramel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat until it turns a rich amber color. Carefully stir in the butter and cream, followed by a pinch of salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling over the warm croissants.

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Apple Croissants are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of buttery pastry and spiced apple filling makes them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. For an extra indulgent experience, serve them alongside our Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake, which is equally delicious and adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet croissants.

Starbucks-Inspired Pairings for Fall

If you love this baked apple croissant recipe, you’ll also enjoy trying some other Starbucks-inspired baked goods. Here are a few irresistible pairings that complement the flavors of fall and will turn any gathering into a special occasion.


Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Starbucks Recipe

Recreate the iconic Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Starbucks Recipe at home with ease. These muffins feature a moist pumpkin-spiced base, filled with a rich cream cheese center and topped with crunchy pepitas. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will have you reaching for seconds. The secret is using real pumpkin puree and ensuring the muffins stay moist with the perfect balance of pumpkin spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake

If you’re a fan of cheesecake, this Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake is a must-try. The creamy cheesecake base is paired with a tart apple filling, topped with a buttery crumble, and finished with a caramel drizzle. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. The crumbly topping adds a delightful texture that contrasts with the smooth cheesecake and gooey caramel.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin lovers won’t be able to resist the rich, nutty flavors of Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. The brown butter gives this classic fall quick bread a deep, caramelized flavor, while the chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness. This bread is moist, tender, and perfect for a cozy autumn morning.

Tips for the Best Croissants Every Time

Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and cold dough are key to creating flaky, buttery layers in your croissants.

Don’t Rush the Process: Croissant dough needs time to rest and chill. Allowing the dough to sit in the refrigerator overnight helps the butter firm up and the flavors develop.

Fold and Roll: The folding and rolling process, known as laminating, is crucial for creating those delicate layers. Be patient and keep your dough cold throughout.

Perfect Filling Ratio: Avoid overfilling your croissants, as too much filling can cause them to become soggy or burst while baking.

Conclusion

This Homemade Starbucks Baked Apple Croissant Recipe is the perfect recipe to satisfy your pastry cravings at home. With the ideal balance of buttery, flaky pastry and warm, spiced apples, these croissants make an exceptional breakfast or snack. Pair them with other seasonal treats like Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake for a true Starbucks-inspired bakery experience.