Love Croissants? 5 Other Buttery Pastries You'll Go Crazy For

Croissants are the apogee of pastry craftsmanship, widely regarded as technique-intensive, ingredient-sensitive and incredibly time-consuming. But all that poured into a well-made croissant translates to a beloved buttery pastry that has become synonymous with France, a country known for its rich culinary and historical heritage. 

However, beyond this age-old viennoiserie, there are many other delightful baked goods—some from France and others from neighbouring countries like Denmark and Sweden. While some of these pastries may have drawn inspiration from the croissant (similar to how the croissant itself was revolutionised from the Austrian kipferl), each of them has their own unique taste, texture and tale.

What Makes the Croissant So Irresistible? 

Croissants hold a special place in the world of baking because they are viennoiseries—a delicate hybrid of pastry (patisserie) and French bread (boulangerie). This means that a croissant combines the light, airy structure of bread with the flaky texture and rich flavour of pastries, making it perfect for breakfast, whether enjoyed in sweet or savoury renditions. 

Croissant-making is not easy. Mastering the craft involves a meticulous approach, with few shortcuts, requiring extensive kneading, resting, laminating—the list goes on. The choice of ingredients is crucial, high-quality butter especially so, as it directly impacts the richness of the croissant and its crisp exterior, juxtaposed by a soft interior. These factors combine to create golden brown, fragrant croissants that aren’t just baked goods, but culinary masterpieces that tempt the senses and leave you craving for more.

Ahead are five buttery pastries that croissant lovers will absolutely go crazy for.

1. Danish Pastry

Danish pastries, often affectionately referred to as “Danishes”, are close relatives of croissants and belong to the same category of viennoiserie pastries. These flaky, buttery treats are characterised by their laminated dough and use of eggs, which lend them a more structured form to hold a variety of fillings. Originating from Denmark, Danish pastries are frequently enjoyed with fruit, cream cheese and almond paste. They are also presented in an array of eye-catching shapes, including twists, pinwheels and crescents. 

2. Kouign-Amann

Infused with the rich aroma of butter and the sweetness of granulated sugar, kouign-amann are laminated dough pastries hailing from Brittany, France. Compared to croissants, kouign-amann rely more heavily on sugar to create a decadent caramelised crust. In recent years, kouign-amann have experienced a surge in popularity, captivating dessert lovers and food enthusiasts alike, and can now be found in countless modern bakeries and cafés around the world. Kouign-amann taste best freshly baked, paired with coffee or tea.

3. Brioche

Few breads can rival the luxurious softness, subtle sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth quality of brioche. The bread is the pinnacle of enriched dough, which means it’s made with added fat for richer flavour and texture. Brioche is often used as an indulgent alternative to regular white bread, cut out for sandwiches, burgers and even hot dogs. Its distinctive appearance features a domed top, a sprinkling of coarse sugar, and sometimes decorative slashes. In France where it came from, brioche is served as breakfast or a light afternoon treat. It’s said that French children often indulge by wrapping milk chocolate in a brioche roll and chasing it down with a glass of milk.

4. Cinnamon Roll

In Sweden, the traditional cinnamon roll is known as “kanelbullar”; and in other contexts it also goes by the aliases of cinnamon buns, cinnamon swirls, and even cinnamon snails. Although relatively small, these sweet pastries are renowned worldwide for their magical blend of sweet and lightly spiced flavours. They are lovingly made by rolling out dough that is lavishly spread with a mixture of cinnamon, butter and sugar, then rolled into a spiral shape and baked together. In America, their signature look is only complete with a drizzle of sugary, sticky icing (glaze) over the top before serving. Cinnamon rolls are a cherished comfort food, associated with the warmth of family gatherings and special occasions, though they are enjoyed year-round.

5. Palmier

Palmiers stand out from the rest of this list because they are not soft both inside and out. Instead, these puff pastry cookies are crisp and crunchy, baked until caramelised after being rolled in a generous amount of sugar. However, like croissants, palmiers are mouth-watering and fragrant, laden with buttery goodness and are made using a lamination technique, which involves folding the dough repeatedly to create layers that develop into a delicate, flaky texture. Translating to “palm trees”, palmiers are a French creation enjoyed both plain and in chocolate or spiced varieties. Despite looking somewhat complex, palmiers are made with just two ingredients—puff pastry and sugar—and are surprisingly beginner-friendly as a baking project.

Final Thoughts

If you love croissants, these other buttery pastries would be worth a try, and act as a delicious journey through Europe’s baking traditions! Whether you’re drawn to the caramelised layers of kouign-amann, the soft richness of brioche, or the spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls, there’s a pastry here to tempt every taste bud. 

To indulge in the finest croissants Singapore has to offer, make sure to visit Daily Ground, a multi-concept café and bakery helmed by a duo of fine dining and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs. We offer croissants in both classic and innovative flavours, crafted using time-honoured techniques and the best ingredients. And if you ever find yourself craving something different (though we doubt you will), don’t miss out on our delectable cruffin and other unique café offerings!

Find us at 619D Bukit Timah Road, #01-01, Singapore 269724.