Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready to give your croissants that golden, crispy finish.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the croissants from sticking. It also helps with even cooking.
Roll Out the Croissant Dough
Unroll your store-bought croissant dough on a clean, flat surface. If it’s in the form of a dough sheet, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 8 equal triangles. If using pre-cut dough, you’re all set! Just lay the pieces flat on the parchment paper
Make the Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the base for your strawberry filling.
Assemble the Croissants
Now, the fun part—assembling your croissants! Take each dough triangle and spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end. Top with a few slices of fresh strawberries. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill out while baking.
Shape the Croissants
Starting from the wide end, gently roll each triangle up towards the point, creating a neat, tight croissant shape. Tuck the ends slightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Place each croissant onto the prepared baking sheet.
Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat the egg and use a pastry brush to apply a thin coat of egg wash over the top of each croissant. This will give them a beautiful golden, glossy finish as they bake.
Bake the Croissants
Place your assembled croissants in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden, crispy, and slightly puffed.
Cool and Serve
Once they’re baked, remove the croissants from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for a few minutes—though they’re best enjoyed warm, allowing them to set slightly makes them easier to handle. Dust with a little powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.