The New York Roll is a trendy, bakery-style pastry that takes inspiration from classic French croissants but with a unique twist. Instead of the traditional crescent shape, this roll is crafted from flaky, laminated croissant dough that is filled, rolled, baked, and topped with decadent ingredients like cream, chocolate, or caramel. The result is a visually stunning and incredibly delicious pastry that has taken social media by storm.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter (for laminating)
• 1 egg, for egg wash
• ½ cup pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or filling of choice
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm milk and softened butter, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Laminate the Dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle and place the cold butter slab in the center. Fold the dough over the butter and roll it out. Fold it into thirds, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process 3-4 times to create flaky layers.
3. Shape the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a long rectangle and cut it into strips. Roll each strip into a tight spiral shape, ensuring the layers stay intact. Place on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool completely.
5. Fill the Rolls: Using a piping bag, inject the rolls with pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or preferred filling for an extra indulgent texture.
6. Glaze and Decorate: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the rolls and top with crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle for added flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set, then serve fresh with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrients

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fats: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 15g

The Origin of the New York Roll

Although croissants originated in France, bakers worldwide have continuously innovated to create new variations. The New York Roll is a relatively new phenomenon, gaining popularity in bakeries and cafés in New York City before spreading to other major cities and bakeries worldwide.

Many believe this pastry was inspired by the viral cruffin—a croissant and muffin hybrid. However, the New York Roll stands out due to its structured shape, creamy fillings, and intricate decorations. It’s a perfect example of how classic baking techniques can be combined with modern creativity to produce something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Pastry

• Flaky and Buttery: Made with croissant dough, each bite offers a crisp, golden-brown exterior and soft, buttery interior.
• Endless Customization: You can fill it with anything from vanilla custard to chocolate ganache, fruit jams, or nut-based creams.
• Visually Stunning: Its spiral shape and layered texture make it a beautiful pastry that’s perfect for bakery displays or homemade indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.
• Easy to Make Ahead: The croissant dough can be prepared in advance, making it easy to bake fresh rolls whenever needed.

What Makes the New York Roll Unique?

The New York Roll differs from other croissant-based pastries in several key ways:

• Shape: Unlike traditional croissants, which are crescent-shaped, these rolls are tightly rolled into a compact, circular shape that enhances their flaky texture.
• Filling: Unlike pain au chocolat or almond croissants, where the filling is baked inside, the New York Roll is often filled after baking, allowing for creamier and more customizable flavors.
• Decoration: The exterior is often coated with glazes, drizzles, and toppings, such as caramelized sugar, crushed nuts, or chocolate shavings.
• Texture: Due to its rolled structure, this pastry has more compressed layers, creating a delightful balance of crispiness and chewiness.

Tips for Making the Perfect New York Roll

• Use High-Quality Butter: Since croissant dough relies heavily on butter for flavor and flakiness, using European-style butter with a high fat content will yield the best results.
• Chill the Dough Properly: Laminated dough requires time to develop its layers. Keep the dough cold between each fold to ensure a light, airy texture.
• Roll and Cut Evenly: Consistent thickness and size will help the rolls bake evenly and achieve a beautiful spiral shape.
• Bake at the Right Temperature: A high initial oven temperature (around 375°F or 190°C) helps create the perfect rise and crisp golden-brown exterior.
• Fill After Baking: Injecting the filling after the rolls are baked prevents them from becoming soggy and allows for more decadent, creamy textures.

Popular Fillings and Toppings

The New York Roll is highly versatile, making it the perfect pastry for experimenting with different flavors. Here are some delicious combinations to try:

• Classic Pastry Cream: A rich vanilla custard filling for a traditional French-inspired taste.
• Chocolate Hazelnut: Nutella or chocolate ganache paired with toasted hazelnuts.
• Strawberry Cream: A light and fruity strawberry pastry cream with fresh strawberry slices.
• Salted Caramel: A smooth caramel filling topped with flaky sea salt for a sweet-savory balance.
• Pistachio Cream: A nutty, luxurious pistachio filling for a gourmet twist.
• Matcha White Chocolate: A green tea-flavored cream with melted white chocolate drizzle.

How to Serve and Store New York Rolls

New York Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, while the exterior is still crispy and the inside remains soft and tender. However, if you need to store them:

• At Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Store filled rolls in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the texture may soften slightly.
• Freezing: Unfilled rolls can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

If you want to serve them warm, a quick reheat in the oven will bring back their buttery aroma and slightly crisp edges.

Pairing New York Rolls with Beverages

• Coffee: A rich espresso or cappuccino complements the buttery and sweet flavors of the roll.
• Tea: Earl Grey or matcha tea enhances the flavors, especially for fruit-filled or matcha versions.
• Hot Chocolate: A decadent choice, especially when paired with a chocolate-filled New York Roll.
• Milk or Almond Milk: A great option for kids or those who enjoy a more neutral, comforting pairing.

Are New York Rolls Difficult to Make?

If you’re already familiar with making croissant dough, then preparing New York Rolls will feel like a natural extension of your baking skills. The most time-consuming part is the lamination process, which requires patience and precision. However, once the dough is ready, shaping, baking, and filling the rolls is relatively simple. For beginners, using store-bought croissant dough can be a shortcut to achieve similar results without the lengthy preparation process.

Conclusion

The New York Roll is a modern, innovative take on the classic croissant, offering a delicious combination of buttery layers, sweet fillings, and crisp textures. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert, this pastry is guaranteed to delight. With endless filling and topping possibilities, it’s no surprise that the New York Roll has gained widespread popularity in bakeries and home kitchens alike. If you’re looking for a show-stopping pastry that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty, this is the perfect recipe to try!