Indulge in the art of French patisserie with these 18 decadent pastry recipes, perfect for any occasion. From classic croissants and chocolate-filled treats to intricate mille-feuille and delicate macarons, this collection has something for everyone.
The quintessential French bakery case is filled with an array of sweet and savory delights, each one a testament to the country’s rich baking heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned patisserie enthusiast or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through France, exploring the world of French pastries and sharing our favorite recipes for every occasion. From breakfast treats like croissants and madeleines to decadent desserts like éclairs and tarte tatins, we’ve got you covered.
Classic French Croissants
Experience the flaky, buttery goodness of authentic French croissants with this straightforward recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1/4 cup active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Cut into triangles and roll each triangle into a croissant shape.
5. Place the shaped croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
6. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Let the croissants proof at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until puffed and almost doubled in size.
8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chocolate-filled Pain au Chocolat
Experience the perfect combination of flaky pastry and rich chocolate with this indulgent recipe for chocolate-filled pain au chocolat. These buttery, crispy pastries are filled to the brim with velvety smooth chocolate, making them a must-have treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 3-inch squares.
3. Place a small spoonful of chocolate chips in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over the chocolate, forming a triangle or a rectangle, and press the edges together to seal.
4. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
6. Allow the pastries to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Flaky Raspberry Almond Croissants
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these flaky, buttery croissants infused with sweet and tart raspberry filling and crunchy almond topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter to dry ingredients; mix until shaggy dough forms.
4. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
5. Spread raspberry jam over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar and sliced almonds over jam.
7. Fold other half of dough over filling; press edges to seal.
8. Cut into triangles or desired shape.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Buttery Kouign-Amann
This classic French pastry is known for its layers of buttery dough and caramelized sugar. Our Buttery Kouign-Amann recipe yields a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then fold again in the opposite direction to create a layered effect.
6. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., rectangles or circles).
7. Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Traditional French Madeleines
These delicate, shell-shaped cakes have been a staple of French patisserie since the 18th century. With their light, spongy texture and subtle lemon flavor, madeleines are perfect for tea parties or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– Unsalted butter, softened (for greasing the mold)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
4. Gradually pour in milk while whisking egg mixture.
5. Pour batter into greased madeleine molds or mini muffin tin cups.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow madeleines to cool in mold for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Lemon Glazed Financiers
Brighten up your afternoon with these bite-sized financiers, infused with the zesty flavor of lemon and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in melted butter.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until financiers are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool completely before glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Rich Chocolate Éclairs
Elevate your pastry game with these rich and creamy chocolate éclairs, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. This classic French dessert is sure to impress with its velvety filling and crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Pipe onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before filling with chocolate ganache (recipe not included).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vanilla Cream Puffs
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these light and airy vanilla cream puffs, perfect for a special treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a small bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar, salt, and vanilla extract; whip until stiff peaks form.
4. Place a spoonful of whipped cream in the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow puffs to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crunchy Palmiers
Experience the perfect balance of crunch and chew with these addictive palmiers. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, pecans, salt, and vanilla extract.
4. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from one of the long sides.
6. Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each palmier.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Delicate Canelés de Bordeaux
These delicate French pastries are a classic dessert from the region of Bordeaux. With their creamy custard filling and caramelized sugar crust, they’re sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter a mini muffin tin and coat with granulated sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Apple Tarte Tatin
Discover the classic French dessert that turns apples into a sweet and tangy masterpiece. This upside-down tarte is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and halved
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Add apples to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Sprinkle flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the apples. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Place the pastry over the apple mixture and tuck edges under the skillet.
7. Brush beaten egg over the pastry for glaze.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pear Frangipane Tart
Savor the sweet combination of ripe pears and nutty frangipane filling in this elegant tart.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 3-4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1/2 cup frangipane filling (see below)
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Confectioner’s sugar (optional)
Frangipane Filling:
– 1/4 cup ground almonds
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
3. Arrange pear slices in a concentric circle pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Spread frangipane filling over pears, mounding slightly in center.
5. Fold pastry edges up over fruit, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar (if using).
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rustic Cherry Clafoutis
A classic French dessert, clafoutis is a warm, comforting fruit-filled delight perfect for any occasion. This rustic cherry version is a simple and satisfying treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gently fold in cherries.
5. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve warm, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lavender Honey Macarons
Experience the delightful combination of floral lavender and sweet honey in these delicate French macarons. With a short cooking time, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender buds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add granulated sugar, salt, and lavender buds; mix well.
4. Gradually pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients; fold gently until smooth.
5. Pipe small circles onto prepared baking sheet. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
6. Let macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before baking for 10-12 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pistachio Raspberry Paris-Brest
A French-inspired dessert that combines the sweetness of raspberries with the nutty flavor of pistachios, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup pistachio meal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup raspberry jam
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and flour.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in pistachio meal and granulated sugar.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Spread raspberry jam over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
8. Brush with heavy cream and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool before serving. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Crème Brûlée Tartlets
Elevate your dessert game with these bite-sized tartlets, featuring a velvety crème brûlée filling and a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
2. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) per side.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crème brûlée mixture onto each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Fold the pastry squares into triangles or squares, pressing edges to seal.
6. Place tartlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Almond Cream St. Honoré Cake
This elegant cake is a masterclass in simplicity and sophistication, with a delicate almond-flavored sponge cake topped with a rich cream filling and toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
– Toasted almonds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Beat in egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold in almond extract and softened butter.
3. Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and smooth. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Allow cake to cool completely. Spread cream filling (made by whipping heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar) evenly over cooled cake.
5. Top with toasted almonds.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Caramelized Mille-Feuille
This classic French dessert, also known as napoleon, is reimagined with a caramelized twist. The combination of flaky puff pastry, smooth custard, and rich caramel creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and cut into rectangles.
3. Brush tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with granulated sugar.
4. Fold in half lengthwise, then roll up tightly.
5. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before assembling the mille-feuille.
7. Spread caramel sauce between layers of pastry, finishing with a layer of caramel on top.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of France with these 18 decadent pastry recipes. From classic croissants and pain au chocolat to flaky tarts and creamy éclairs, there’s something for every occasion. Discover how to make buttery kouign-amann, delicate madeleines, and crunchy palmiers, as well as sweet treats like lemon glazed financiers, rich chocolate éclairs, and caramelized mille-feuille. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these French pastries are sure to impress your friends and family.
