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Costco Frozen Croissants: How to Bake Them Perfectly
As someone who loves to host, finding cost-effective and effortless ways to please my guests is ideal. I discovered croissants, particularly Costco frozen croissants, which are buttery, flaky, and cost-effective and enjoyed in various ways as a pantry staple. For those who host, Costco frozen croissants are one of the best kept secrets. A box of 30 all-butter Au Pain Doré croissants costs between $13 and $17. This post provides the exact temperature, timing, and instructions on whether to thaw the croissants, ensuring they bake up golden, flaky, and genuinely bakery-worthy in under 25 minutes.
If you’ve ever searched for Costco croissants baking instructions and found yourself scrolling through Reddit threads and TikTok comments, this post gives you everything in one place. This post provides the exact temperature, timing, and instructions on whether to thaw the croissants or not. Furthermore, you will learn the proofing trick that makes the biggest difference between a good croissant and a great one.
You will always find these croissants in my freezer. I grab them for a weekend brunch, holiday mornings, and every time someone shows up unexpectedly. The croissants allow me to be the stress-free hostess with the Mostest. If you love my Whole Foods frozen croissants guide, this is the Costco companion.
What You'll Need
- 1 box Costco Au Pain Doré frozen croissants (30 count)
- Parchment paper
- Half sheet pan
- Serrated knife (if filling)
That’s it. The croissants come fully shaped and ready to bake. No rolling, no laminating, no yeast. The box runs me about $16.79, which breaks down to roughly 56 cents per croissant.
How to Bake Costco Frozen Croissants (Step by Step)
Thaw Costco frozen croissants (Au Pain Doré) at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes first for the best rise. Then bake them at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes until deeply golden brown. For an even flakier croissant, proof overnight in the refrigerator, then let them sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before baking.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to 350°F
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you use a convection oven, place the croissants on the middle rack, but otherwise the lower rack will work as well. This makes a real difference with croissants because the heat distribution affects how evenly the layers puff.
Step 2: Arrange the Frozen Croissants
Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the frozen croissants at least 2 inches apart. They expand significantly as they bake, so don’t crowd them. Au Pain Doré recommends 6 per tray for best results.
Step 3: Thaw (15 to 20 Minutes)
Let the croissants sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes while the oven preheats. This short thaw is the minimum recommended by Au Pain Doré and it helps the dough relax enough for a better rise. You can bake them straight from frozen, but they won’t puff up as dramatically and the interior can be slightly dense.
Step 4: Bake for 18 to 22 Minutes
Bake until deeply golden brown. Not pale, not light gold. Deeply golden. The color tells you the interior layers have fully set. If you pull them early, the center will be doughy and the layers won’t separate properly.
Start checking at 18 minutes. Most ovens need the full 20 to 22 minutes. If the tops are browning too quickly but the sides look pale, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
Step 5: Cool for 5 Minutes
Let them cool on the pan for at least 5 minutes before handling. The layers need to firm up slightly so they hold their shape. If you’re filling them, let them cool to just warm, not hot, so the filling doesn’t melt or slide out.
Tips for the Best Costco Butter Croissants
- Proof overnight for the biggest rise. The 15 to 20 minute thaw from the package instructions works fine. But if you want the most dramatic puff and the flakiest layers, place the frozen croissants on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until they feel puffy and soft. Then bake. The difference is noticeable.
- Don’t skip parchment paper. The butter in the dough renders as it bakes. Without parchment, the bottoms stick and tear. Parchment also makes cleanup effortless.
- Trust the color, not the timer. Every oven is different. The croissants are done when they’re deeply golden on top and slightly darker at the edges. A pale croissant is an undercooked croissant.
- Bake on the middle or lower rack. This prevents the tops from browning too fast before the centers cook through. If using convection, reduce the temperature by 25°F.
Common Mistakes When Baking Costco Frozen Croissants
- Pulling them out too early. Pale croissants look done but aren’t. The inside will be doughy and dense. Wait for deep golden.
- Crowding the tray. They need room to expand. Six per tray is ideal. More than that and they bake into each other and lose their shape.
- Skipping the thaw entirely. You can bake them from frozen, but the rise will be flatter and the layers less distinct. Even 15 minutes of thawing makes a difference.
- Using a hot oven. Some people crank the heat to 400°F thinking it’ll make them crispier. It doesn’t. It burns the outside while leaving the inside raw. Stick to 350°F.
- Storing baked croissants in a sealed container. This traps moisture and makes them soggy. Store uncovered at room temperature and refresh in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes.
What to Do with 30 Croissants (Because You Will Have Leftovers)
A box of 30 is a lot, even for a croissant lover. Here are the ways I work through a box over the course of a few weeks:
- Brunch spread: Bake 6 to 8, set out on a board with butter, jam, honey, and fresh fruit. Let guests fill their own. This is exactly how I use my Whole Foods croissants for Sweet Berry Croissants, and the same approach works beautifully with the Costco version.
- Breakfast sandwiches: Scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon or prosciutto. Assemble and wrap in foil. These reheat perfectly at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Almond croissants: Fill baked croissants with frangipane (almond cream), top with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, and bake again for 10 minutes. A holiday showstopper.
- Croissant French toast bake: Tear croissants into pieces, layer in a baking dish, pour over a custard of eggs, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Refrigerate overnight, bake the next morning. Perfect for Christmas morning or overnight guests.
- Freeze in smaller batches: Transfer 6 at a time into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out excess air. This way you’re not opening and re-sealing the big box every time. They keep well for up to 6 months, but I aim to use them within 3 for the best flavor.
Want the little touches that turn a warm tray of croissants into a proper brunch? My free Effortless Hosting Guide has exactly how I plate, set the table, and pace a relaxed morning at home. Grab it below.
Costco vs. Whole Foods vs. Trader Joe’s Frozen Croissants
| Costco | Whole Foods | Trader Joe's | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Au Pain Doré | Store brand | Store brand |
| Count | 30 | 4 or 12 | 4 |
| Price | ~$16.79 ($0.56 ea) | ~$6–$8 | ~$4.99 |
| Butter | 100% real butter | Real butter | Real butter |
| Thaw needed? | 15–20 min recommended | No (pre-proofed) | 8–12 hrs (overnight) |
| Bake time | 18–22 min at 350°F | 18–22 min at 350°F | ~25 min at 375°F |
| Best for | Bulk, value, hosting | Convenience, small batch | Biggest puff, hands-on |
My take: Costco wins on value and volume. You can’t beat 30 croissants for under $17. Whole Foods wins on convenience because they bake straight from frozen with zero prep. Trader Joe’s wins on the final product, but only if you plan ahead and proof them overnight. I keep Costco in my freezer for hosting and Whole Foods for spontaneous mornings.
Costco Frozen Croissants FAQs
What brand are Costco frozen croissants?
The frozen croissants sold at Costco are made by Au Pain Doré, a Canadian bakery. They come in a box of 30 all-butter croissants, item number 1769976. They are different from the Kirkland Signature butter croissants you see in the Costco bakery section, which are baked fresh in-store.
How much do Costco frozen croissants cost?
A box of 30 Au Pain Doré frozen croissants costs approximately $16.79, which works out to about 56 cents per croissant. Prices may vary slightly by location.
Do you need to thaw Costco frozen croissants before baking?
Au Pain Doré recommends thawing them at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before baking. You can bake them from frozen, but the rise will be less dramatic and the interior may be slightly dense. For the best results, proof them overnight in the refrigerator, then let them sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before baking.
What temperature do you bake Costco frozen croissants?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes until deeply golden brown. Use the middle rack for a convection oven or the lower rack for a conventional oven.
Can you bake Costco frozen croissants in an air fryer?
Yes. Set the air fryer to 325°F and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark. They won’t expand as much as oven-baked croissants, but the exterior gets extra crispy. For a full guide on the air fryer method, see my air fryer frozen croissants post.
How long do Costco frozen croissants last in the freezer?
The box has a printed expiration date, but generally they keep well for up to 6 months in the freezer. For the best flavor and rise, I recommend using them within 3 months. Once opened, transfer remaining croissants to freezer-safe bags in batches of 6.
Are Costco frozen croissants the same as the bakery croissants?
No. The frozen croissants in the freezer aisle are Au Pain Doré brand, sold in a box of 30, and you bake them at home from frozen dough. The bakery section croissants are Kirkland Signature, baked fresh daily in-store, and sold in packs of 12. Both are made with real butter, but they are different products.
Can you proof Costco frozen croissants overnight?
Yes, and this is my preferred method when I have time. Place the frozen croissants on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until puffy and soft, then bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes. The rise and flakiness are noticeably better with this method.
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Your Turn
Have you tried Costco’s Au Pain Doré frozen croissants? Do you bake them straight from frozen or proof overnight? I’d love to hear your method and what you fill them with. Drop a comment below.
