Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Croissants with Hot Honey Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra-crispy exterior, you can lightly score the top of the rolled dough before applying the egg wash. This helps the steam escape during the baking process, resulting in even more pronounced, distinct layers.

Always use a high-quality pastry brush to apply the egg wash in a thin, even layer to avoid any excess liquid from pooling at the base of the croissants.

If you find the seasoning is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the croissants with aluminum foil during the final five minutes of baking.

This technique protects the delicate seeds and spices from burning while allowing the center of the pastry to finish cooking. Remember that every oven is unique, so keep a close eye on the color of the crust during the final moments of the baking time.

Variations

• Smoked Salmon Twist: Add a small piece of smoked salmon inside the dough with the cream cheese log before rolling. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the chives and the everything bagel seasoning.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Filling: Replace the fresh chives with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This adds a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling and the spicy honey drizzle.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving to restore texture.

Freezer

The unbaked, assembled croissants can be frozen for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the total cook time.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.

Store any leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain their crisp texture. If you need to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Note that refrigeration will soften the flaky layers, so they will require a quick trip to the oven or toaster oven to regain their original crunch before serving.

You can prepare the cream cheese logs and store them in the freezer for up to one week. The croissants can also be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. For the best results, brush with the egg wash and apply the seasoning immediately before putting them into the oven to ensure the toppings stay crisp and flavorful.

Serving ideas

These croissants are best served warm, shortly after they come out of the oven. The contrast between the warm, soft cream cheese center and the crisp, buttery pastry is at its peak when enjoyed within thirty minutes of baking. Arrange them on a serving platter and provide extra hot honey on the side for guests who prefer a bolder, spicier flavor profile.

Pair these savory pastries with a fresh fruit salad or a light side of greens to balance the richness of the cream cheese and pastry. Because they are quite satisfying on their own, they make an excellent centerpiece for a brunch spread.

Serve them with hot coffee or a crisp sparkling juice to complement the savory notes of the everything bagel seasoning and the heat of the honey.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Croissants with Hot Honey

Prep 15 minCook 17 minTotal 32 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 triangles laminated croissant dough, store-bought or made ahead
• 6 logs (50g each) whipped cream cheese, frozen and mixed with chopped chives
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
• 1/2 cup everything bagel seasoning
• 2 tbsp hot honey, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Mix the chopped chives into the whipped cream cheese until well combined. Portion the mixture into 50g logs and place them in the freezer until firm enough to handle, ensuring they maintain their shape during the rolling process.
2. Take the laminated croissant triangles and place a frozen chive cream cheese log on the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough tightly around the log, ensuring the edges are tucked securely to prevent leakage during baking.
3. Brush the exterior of each rolled croissant with the beaten egg wash. Generously coat the surface with the everything bagel seasoning. Bake at 390°F (199°C) for 17 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and drizzle with hot honey before serving. To ensure the eggs are fully cooked to a safe internal temperature, cook until they reach 160°F (71°C).

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, sesame

Food safety: The eggs in this recipe are served soft. Use pasteurised eggs for pregnant women, young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

6.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

21 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

8.5 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.