Copycat Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissant Recipe

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One item that has captured my heart—and taste buds—is their Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissant. Flaky, buttery croissant layers, a luscious cheesecake filling, bursts of tangy blueberries, and that perfect caramelized crunch on the bottom—it’s pure magic in pastry form.

How to make Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissant

The Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissant is a sweet bakery pastry that combines a buttery, flaky croissant with a creamy cheesecake filling and a sweet blueberry filling.

Ingredients

For the Croissants:

• Croissant Dough: Either homemade croissant dough or pre-made frozen puff pastry (thawed for convenience).
• Egg Wash: 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk whisked together for brushing.
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavor)

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for dusting the bottoms before baking (to mimic Costco’s caramelized crust).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy.
2. Cover the mixture and refrigerate while preparing the other components.

Step 2: Cook the Blueberry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water over medium heat.
2. Stir and cook until the mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes). If you’re using frozen blueberries, cook for an additional minute to release excess moisture.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before use.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, butter, and brown sugar using your fingers or a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
2. Set the streusel aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Croissants

1. Roll out your croissant dough or puff pastry into a rectangle and cut into evenly sized triangles (traditional croissant shape).
2. Add about 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling and 1 tablespoon of blueberry filling to the center or base of each triangle.
3. Gently roll the dough from the base to the tip to form the croissant shape, sealing the edges to prevent leaking during baking.

Step 5: Brush, Top, and Caramelize

1. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, and place the rolled croissants seam-side down.
2. Brush each croissant with the egg wash for a golden color.
3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each croissant.
4. For caramelization, dust the bottom of each croissant lightly with granulated sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the croissants for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.
3. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Costco-Style Croissants

• Use Quality Croissant Dough: If making dough from scratch isn’t your thing, opt for an all-butter frozen puff pastry for a closer texture.
• Don’t Overfill: To avoid leaks, stick to a tablespoon of cheesecake and blueberry filling per croissant.
• Caramelization Technique: Dusting sugar on the bottom of the croissants before baking creates that signature Costco caramelized crust.
• Let Fillings Cool: Be sure both the cheesecake and blueberry fillings are thoroughly chilled before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
• Freeze Extras: Unbaked croissants can be frozen for later—just skip the egg wash and streusel before freezing. Bake directly from frozen and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Experiment with Toppings: Swap out streusel for a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a finishing touch.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissants at home is exciting, but you might occasionally need to adjust the recipe based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences.

1. Croissant Dough or Puff Pastry

The flaky, buttery croissant dough is essential for this recipe, but there are some alternatives when homemade or store-bought options aren’t readily available:

• Crescent Roll Dough (from a can): Light and convenient, these match a croissant’s buttery layers. Note: They may not caramelize as well and can be softer once baked.
• Pie Crust: For a more rustic feel, use pie crust. Although it doesn’t puff up like croissant dough, it’s still delicious when layered with the fillings.
• Phyllo Dough: This ultra-thin pastry is a creative option, though you’ll need to layer multiple sheets with melted butter for a flaky finish.

2. Cream Cheese (for Cheesecake Filling)

The cheesecake filling relies on cream cheese for its rich consistency, but here are alternatives:

• Mascarpone Cheese: Slightly sweeter and creamier, mascarpone is perfect for a soft cheesecake filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Its grainier texture makes for an alternative filling with a lighter tang. Blend it with sugar to smooth it out.
• Cottage Cheese: When blended to remove lumps, cottage cheese can mimic cream cheese for a lighter and healthier option.

3. Granulated Sugar (Sweetener for Filling)

If you’re avoiding processed sugar or simply ran out, consider:

• Powdered Sugar: This can be used at the same ratio for a smoother filling texture.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Adjust the quantity (less is more!) to avoid overpowering the filling.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Great for reducing sugar while keeping things sweet. Follow package instructions for sweetener conversions.

4. Blueberries (for Blueberry Filling)

Blueberries are the star ingredient, but if they’re unavailable, try these options:

• Mixed Berries: Use raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a similar fruity burst. Chop larger berries like strawberries into smaller pieces.
• Cherry Compote: Tart cherries are a fun twist that pairs beautifully with cheesecake filling.
• Dried or Candied Blueberries: Soften dried blueberries in hot water or syrup before using.

5. Cornstarch (as a Thickening Agent for Blueberry Filling)

Cornstarch is typically used to thicken the blueberry filling, but here are smart alternatives:

• Arrowroot Powder: Works similarly to cornstarch and is a great gluten-free alternative.
• Tapioca Flour or Starch: Provides a glossy finish for fruit fillings and is highly effective in thickening.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use sparingly, as it can cloud the filling’s appearance.

6. Brown Sugar (for Streusel Topping)

Brown sugar adds richness and depth to the streusel topping, but you can use:

• White Sugar: Works well but won’t provide the same caramel-like flavor. You can mix with molasses for a DIY brown sugar alternative.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sugary option with similar depth and richness.
• Maple Sugar: Adds a subtle maple flavor for unique sweetness in your topping.

7. All-Purpose Flour (for Streusel)

If you need a flour substitute for the streusel topping:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a nutty depth, though the texture may be denser.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Almond flour or a pre-made gluten-free baking mix can work well in streusel.
• Oats: Blend oats into a powder, or use rolled oats directly for a rustic streusel topping.

8. Unsalted Butter (for Dough Layers and Streusel)

Butter is key to that flaky, rich croissant texture, but there are alternatives:

• Vegan Butter/Margarine: Great for plant-based diets. Choose a variety with high fat content for similar results.
• Coconut Oil: Offers a slightly sweet, tropical note to the recipe. Solid coconut oil works better for layering in dough.
• Ghee: Clarified butter adds an intense butter flavor and flaky texture, but use less due to its high fat content.

9. Egg Wash

Egg wash helps create a golden, shiny crust. If unavailable, use:

• Milk or Cream: Brushed directly onto the dough for light browning.
• Plant-Based Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk works great for vegan Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissant.
• Butter: Melted butter brushed on the dough gives a golden finish without eggs.

10. Caramelizing Sugar (for the Bottoms)

Dusting sugar onto the bottom of the Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissant is responsible for that caramelized layer. If you need alternatives:

• Turbinado Sugar: The larger crystals create a crunchy caramelized texture.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Spread lightly on the parchment paper for a sticky, caramelized touch.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Use carefully to avoid burning at high heat.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These homemade Costco Blueberry Cheesecake Croissants are just as indulgent and satisfying as the Costco version.

More Croissants Recipes:

• Copycat HEB Glazed Croissant Donut Recipe
• Homemade Papa John’s Croissant Pizza Recipe
• Croissant Dough Recipe