Let’s be real. French pastries are sinfully delicious, but feel entirely impossible to make. That was, until now! We have a ton of baking recipes (with some expert baking tips) to try that will make your inner pastry chef shine. In most cases, you will need a little patience, a little bit of handiwork, and a *whole lot* of butter. Get your kitchen gear ready and let’s get this French party started, maintenant.
Easy Palmier Cookies
We love that these French pastries are basically like extra-fancy cinnamon rolls. You only need a few ingredients to make them, and once they come out in all their sticky-sweet goodness, you’re golden. (via Brit + Co.)
Mini Madeleines
You’ll want to plan ahead for these tasty bites, since the dough needs to rest overnight. Once they’re ready to bake, they only take 4 whole minutes in the oven! Dust each one with powdered sugar, and serve. (via Brit + Co.)
Croissant French Toast
We’re pretty sure croissants are one of the best things France ever gave us. This take on the French pastry turns your go-to croissants into a delectable French toast dish — filled with plenty of strawberries, cream, and jam on top. (via Brit + Co.)
Honey + Hazelnut Baked Brie
We love puff pastry and brie cheese on their own, but put them together, and you have a richly sweet snack that will not disappoint. A handful of hazelnuts and a drizzle of honey round out the flavors. (via Brit + Co.)
Vol-au-vents
Meet your new secret weapon for dinner parties. Vol-au-vents are heavenly pastry pockets that take in just about any filling, sweet or savory. We love the look of these French pastries, and the taste, too! (via Cannelle et Vanille)
Pain Aux Raisins
The cinnamon roll’s French cousin is, like all things French, a little more sophisticated, and not afraid of butter. (via Tish Boyle)
Easy Croissants
Image via Monika Grabkowska / Unsplash
You are 30 minutes away from pulling a batch of these buttery pups out of the oven. The secret? A little help – courtesy of ready-made puff pastry. (via Inspired Taste)
Galettes
Image via Bruna Branco / Unsplash
You’ll see them most often on the dessert menu, but galettes can hold savory ingredients, too. These versatile, round, flaky pancakes of sorts create a stunning presentation time and time again. (via Snixy Kitchen)
Brioche Nanterre
Bake up some of this brioche bread for jams, spreads, and creams to sit on. You can make them savory or sweet, depending on your mood. (via Woman Scribbles)
Mille-feuille
This French pastry’s name translates to “thousand layers,” but fear not, you won’t need to work that hard. This modern take features some berries and a citrusy yuzu cream. (via )
French Crepes
There are a ton of ways you can customize crepes once you get the hang of them. This recipe uses pancetta, ricotta, and greens, but you can also go with ham and cheese, fruit and chocolate, or just jam and sugar. There are *so* many options that you’ll never get tired of these French pastries! (via A Spicy Perspective)
Red Wine Chocolate Macarons
Usually we like to enjoy a glass of wine with our dessert, but why not just combine the two? The star of the show here is definitely the creamy, red wine-chocolate ganache inside the cookies. We’re pretty sure you’ll want to lick the bowl once you’re done. (via Barley & Sage)
French Pastries We Can’t Wait To Make This Weekend
Pain Au Chocolat
The good news? You – yes, you – can make pain au chocolat at home. The bad news? You can make pain au chocolat at home. This is no shortcut recipe, but the extra effort pays off big time. (via The Bojon Gourmet)
Easy Croquembouche
Craft this towering bunch of croquembouche for a French-themed party, and watch all your guests fall in love with its sweet goodness. (via Hello Little Home)
Scones
Make sure to make these scones *extra* buttery for the full dining experience! (via Earthly Provisions)
Make These French Pastries For All Your Summer Brunches
Tarte Tatin
This French tarte tatin gets loaded up with tons of fresh plums, and topped nicely with a lavender-infused cream! (via Vikalinka)
Check out our baking and cooking classes to make some French pastries of your own!
This post has been updated.