There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a buttery, flaky croissant — and even more so when you pair that with the creamy chill of ice cream. That’s the irresistible union that defines croissant ice cream, a dessert that melds the best of viennoiserie and frozen indulgence. On a warm day or as a decadent treat, it hits all the sweet (and buttery) notes.
? What Is Croissant Ice Cream?
“Croissant Ice Cream” isn’t one specific recipe — it’s more of a concept, or rather a family of desserts that combine croissants (or croissant dough) with ice cream or soft-serve. The execution can vary:
Croissant Cone / “Cro-cone” — where a croissant (or croissant dough) is shaped or hollowed out and used like an ice-cream cone.
Ice Cream Sandwich — using a split croissant (or two halves) as the “bread,” with ice cream sandwiched in between.
Mixed-in / Flavored Ice Cream — where croissant pieces or croissant-infused cream become part of the ice cream base itself. This gives the ice cream a richer, more pastry-like flavor.
No matter the method, the promise is the same: warm, buttery croissant goodness interlaced with cold, dreamy ice cream.
The Rise of the Trend
The idea of pairing croissants with frozen treats isn’t entirely new — but in recent years, it has seen creative reinventions and surges in popularity around the world.
The “croissant cone” concept was reportedly patented in the UK in 2016.
In places like London and beyond, a version called the “IceCRONE” helped popularize croissant-based soft-serve cones.
On the other side of the Atlantic, bakeries in cities such as New York began experimenting with “croissant soft-serve,” blending croissant-butter flavors and toppings for a decadent twist.
Beyond novelty — croissant + ice cream brings a delicious contrast in textures: the crisp/flaky pastry against the silky coldness of ice cream becomes a dessert experience that feels both familiar and indulgent.
Why It Works — Taste & Texture Magic
Here’s why croissant ice cream hits such a sweet spot:
Buttery, flaky pastry — Croissant dough, with its layers of butter and dough, provides a rich, buttery base that complements sweet ice cream perfectly. The pastry’s crunch or flakiness balances the smooth creaminess of ice cream.
Contrast of temperatures and textures — The coldness of ice cream against the warmth (or room-temp) pastry creates a dynamic eating experience, where each bite offers a slightly different mouthfeel.
Versatility for flavor experiments — From classic vanilla or chocolate soft-serve to more adventurous flavors like pistachio, fruit, or even croissant-flavored ice cream, the dessert plays well with a variety of tastes. Some recipes even fold in toasted croissant crumbs or buttery croissant pieces into the ice cream base itself.
A universal appeal — Croissants are familiar, comforting pastries. Ice cream is universally loved. Their union appeals to both pastry lovers and ice-cream lovers — a crossover dessert with mass appeal.
How You Could Serve Croissant Ice Cream at MADO
Since your brand, MADO, already celebrates high-quality ice cream and artisanal ingredients, croissant ice cream could slot in beautifully as either a seasonal special or a signature treat. Here are a few ideas:
Croissant Ice Cream Sandwich — Split a buttery croissant, fill it with two or three scoops of your specialty ice cream (e.g. pistachio, fig-honey almond, or vanilla-strawberry), and serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or fruit sauce.
Croissant Cone with Soft Serve — Hollow out a croissant (or use specially shaped croissant dough) to serve soft-serve ice cream, topped with crunchy nuts, crumbled croissant bits, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a satisfying crunch.
Croissant-Infused Ice Cream Flavor — Experiment with ice cream flavors that marry the taste of buttery pastry — for example, a croissant-butter gelato, or an ice cream swirled with toasted croissant crumbs for added texture.
Ice Cream + Croissant Crumble Sundae — Offer a sundae variant where ice cream is topped with warm croissant crumble, perhaps with fruit compote or nutty syrup — marrying warmth and chill.
Given MADO’s existing focus on fine ingredients and layered ice cream experiences , these options could elevate your menu and offer customers something fresh and indulgent.
Final Thoughts
Croissant ice cream isn’t just a dessert — it’s a marriage of two beloved textures and flavors. It draws from classic pastry tradition while embracing playful innovation. For a brand like MADO, it represents an opportunity: to surprise the palate, offer a unique eating experience, and stand out in a crowded dessert market.
Whether you treat it as an occasional special or a permanent offering, croissant ice cream could become a signature you’re proud to serve — one buttery, creamy bite at a time.
