As soon as the leaves turn, I start craving cozy treats that blend flaky pastry with deep, jammy sweetness. This Bloody Jam-Filled Croissants recipe was born on a rainy October morning, inspired by a Halloween potluck gone deliciously rogue. Picture this: buttery golden croissants oozing with a rich, “bloody” jam center, wrapped like a mysterious pastry mummy perfect for spooky brunches, autumn tea times, or playful baking with kids.
And while the name might sound frightful, the flavor is anything but. These croissants are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with juicy jam in every bite. They’re shockingly easy to make and even easier to devour.
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Bloody Jam Filled Croissants
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissants
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery golden croissants oozing with rich, jammy ‘bloody’ centers, these spooky treats are flaky, tender, and shockingly easy to make. Perfect for Halloween brunches, autumn tea times, or playful baking with kids.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tbsp raspberry jam (or cherry, strawberry—anything red)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp water
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
- Optional: red food coloring to deepen jam color
Instructions
- Roll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut pastry into triangles. Place 1 tsp jam at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll each triangle from wide end to point, curving into croissant shapes.
- Pinch ends to help seal. A little jam leak adds to the spooky effect!
- Whisk egg and water. Brush croissants with egg wash.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar or leave plain for dramatic effect.
Notes
Don’t overfill with jam—use just a teaspoon per croissant. Chill shaped croissants for 10 minutes before baking if dough softens. Always line baking sheet with parchment to prevent jam from sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients for Bloody Jam Filled Croissants
Whether you’re baking for Halloween or just in the mood for something indulgently flaky, these croissants are made with just a handful of ingredients. You can use pre-made puff pastry to save time, or go full DIY with homemade dough if you’re feeling ambitious.
You’ll need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tbsp raspberry jam (or cherry, strawberry anything “bloody” red)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp water
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
- Optional: red food coloring to deepen the jam color
Ingredient Tip: Make sure your jam isn’t too runny; otherwise, it’ll leak during baking. Want something homemade? Check out this peach jalapeño jam recipe or this peach jelly for a sweet-spicy twist.
Step by Step Instructions
Making these croissants is easier than it looks. Don’t be afraid puff pastry is forgiving, and the result is always impressive.
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If it’s not pre-rolled, gently stretch it into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Cut and Fill
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into triangles (like pizza slices). Place a teaspoon of jam near the wide end of each triangle.
3. Roll and Shape
Gently roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, forming a crescent. Curve the edges inward to create a classic croissant shape.
4. Seal the Edges
Pinch the ends slightly to help prevent the jam from leaking. A little leak is okay it adds to the “bloody” effect!
5. Brush with Egg Wash
Whisk the egg and water together. Brush each croissant with this mixture for a golden finish.
6. Bake
Place croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool and Dust
Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired or leave them bare for a dramatic, blood-spattered look.
For more easy, oven-baked ideas, see our cheesecake banana pudding bites or festive jack-o-lantern omelets.
Tips for Bloody Croissant Success
These croissants are simple, but a few tips will make them foolproof:
- Don’t overfill: Use just a teaspoon of jam; too much will burst out.
- Chill before baking: If your dough gets too soft, pop the croissants in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Use parchment paper: Saves clean-up and helps avoid jam caramelizing onto the pan.
Want to try a savory brunch next? Try our smash burger tacos or green goddess chicken salad for contrast.
Recipe Variations
These Bloody Jam-Filled Croissants are great as-is, but here are some fun ways to make them your own:
Gluten-Free Option
Use a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry from the freezer section just ensure it’s workable when thawed.
Add a Streusel Topping
Mix 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle on top before baking.
Chocolate Surprise
Add a few mini chocolate chips with the jam for an indulgent twist. It pairs beautifully with raspberry or cherry.
For more fall-inspired bakes, check out this brown sugar pumpkin loaf or these pumpkin s’mores cookies.
Storage Recommendations
Fresh is best, but these croissants can be made ahead:
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keep for 4 days, but reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked, filled croissants and bake from frozen (add 5 extra minutes baking time).
They’re also a great addition to meal prep alongside sweet or savory items like girl dinner ideas or taco lunch meal prep.
Final Thoughts
These Bloody Jam Filled Croissants are everything fall baking should be: cozy, a little cheeky, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re whipping them up for a Halloween party or a chilly Saturday brunch, they deliver jammy satisfaction in every flaky bite.
Make a batch, share with friends, and watch them disappear bloody fast.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, crescent roll dough works too just adjust baking time slightly and expect a softer texture.
Can I use other jams or fillings?
Absolutely! Try blueberry, apricot, or even Nutella for a fun twist.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen as needed.
How do I stop the jam from leaking?
Use thick jam, avoid overfilling, and make sure to pinch the edges well.