If you’re looking for a cozy treat that’s shockingly easy to make yet feels wildly decadent, Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame are your answer. Imagine warm, buttery croissants baked until fluffy and golden, oozing with rich Nutella and crowned with glistening sesame seeds for a little extra crunch. This delightful pastry blends softness, sweetness, and a hint of toasty nuttiness, making it an instant favorite at breakfast, snack time, or whenever you crave a warm-from-the-oven pick-me-up.

Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame comes from a handful of simple ingredients that work together to deliver exceptional flavor and texture. Every component, from the silky chocolate spread to the rustic sprinkle of sesame, plays an important role—so don’t skip a thing!

Active dry yeast: Acts as the leavening agent to create lovely lift and airiness in the croissant dough.
Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and brings a subtle richness to the pastry.
Granulated sugar: Provides gentle sweetness and assists the yeast in fermenting for the perfect rise.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough—choose a good brand for best results.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavor in every bite.
Warm water: Adds needed hydration to bring the dough together smoothly.
Vegetable oil or melted butter: Enriches the dough and keeps it wonderfully tender; butter gives extra flavor, while oil makes it a tad lighter.
Large egg: Adds color, flavor, and structure to the pastry.
Nutella (or other chocolate hazelnut spread): The star filling—creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly melty after baking.
Egg yolk + milk (for egg wash): Gives that signature croissant sheen and helps the sesame seeds adhere.
Sesame seeds: Add a toasty crunch and nutty aroma, making each bite uniquely irresistible.

How to Make Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it rest for five to ten minutes. When it’s ready, the surface will look frothy and bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for your Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Next, whisk together your all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add in the foamy yeast mixture, warm water, vegetable oil or melted butter, and a whole egg. Mix everything together until a soft, somewhat sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a bit shaggy; it’ll smooth out beautifully!

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for five to seven minutes. As you work, the dough should become smoother and more elastic. Transfer it to a greased bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm spot for about one hour until it doubles in size—this is when anticipation really starts to build!

Step 4: Shape and Fill

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into a large circle—think of a pizza, about a quarter-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the circle into eight even triangles. At the wide end of each triangle, pop a generous teaspoon of Nutella and get ready to roll. Gently shape each triangle into a croissant, starting at the wide end and rolling towards the point.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Sesame Sprinkle

Arrange your croissants with a little space between them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Whisk together an egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk, then brush this glossy mixture over the tops of your croissants. Now comes the best part: a shower of sesame seeds to add golden crunch and make these Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame extra special.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Slide the tray into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until each croissant is puffed and deeply golden. The Nutella inside will be gloriously melty, the kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll barely be able to resist sneaking one before they cool down.

How to Serve Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame

Garnishes

For a final flourish, dust your croissants with a touch of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving. The sugar melts into the warm pastry and adds a gentle sweetness, while fresh sesame intensifies the nutty flavor and creates eye-catching visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame shine brightest alongside a cappuccino or a big mug of hot chocolate. They’re also wonderful with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or even a bowl of fruit salad. Their simple, chocolatey charm means they don’t need much, but these accompaniments make breakfast or brunch feel extra thoughtful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party platter, circle your croissants on a board and tuck in tiny bowls of Nutella for dipping. At brunch, serve them in a basket lined with a pretty tea towel or stand them upright on a cake stand. If you want a dessert twist, halve each croissant, add a dollop of whipped cream and some strawberries, and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have any Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame left, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft, though the sesame topping may soften slightly as well. For longer storage, consider refrigeration, but let them come to room temperature before serving to recapture their tender bite.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap and place all of them in a labeled, zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temperature.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five to eight minutes—just until warmed through and the chocolate filling is gooey. If you’re in a rush, a few seconds in the microwave works too, although the croissant exterior won’t be quite as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought croissant dough instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made croissant dough works wonderfully for Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame. Just roll, fill, and bake as directed—you may notice a slightly different texture, but they’ll still taste divine.

What can I substitute for Nutella?

Any chocolate hazelnut spread is perfectly fine, or you can get creative with peanut butter, almond butter, or even your favorite fruit preserve. Just remember, the signature flavor of Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame comes from that classic chocolate-hazelnut combination.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. In the morning, let it come back to room temperature before rolling it out and filling your croissants.

Do I have to use sesame seeds?

Not at all, though the sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and unique flavor to these croissants. If you prefer, you can leave them off or swap in poppy seeds or finely chopped nuts instead for a new twist.

Why did my croissants come out dense instead of fluffy?

This usually means the dough didn’t rise enough or the yeast was inactive. Always ensure your yeast is fresh and foamy before mixing, and give the dough time to double in size. The steps in Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame are designed for maximum fluffiness, so don’t rush!

Final Thoughts

If you love warm, chocolatey pastries or just want a homemade treat that feels like a little luxury, you have to try Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame. They’re easier than you think and deliver pure bakery-style bliss with every bite. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your friends and family will devour them, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for special mornings or anytime you want to bake a bit of happiness.

Nutella-Stuffed Croissants with Sesame Recipe