National Croissant Day (January 30)

ByClare Brown Updated on
A croissant sandwich filled with lettuce and creamy spread, served on a white plate with fresh fruit on the side.

If there’s ever been a pastry worth celebrating, it’s the croissant.

National Croissant Day on January 30 is a good excuse to enjoy something buttery, flaky, and completely indulgent.

Whether you grab one from your favorite bakery, fill it with chocolate, or turn it into a breakfast sandwich, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

When is the Holiday?

It’s celebrated every year on January 30th.

It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a fresh croissant or even try making your own at home.

Whether you prefer a classic plain croissant, pain au chocolat, or a savory sandwich version, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this pastry.

Who Invented It?

While there’s no definitive “inventor”, the holiday likely emerged as a way to celebrate the croissant’s cultural significance and popularity.

It may have been introduced by pastry lovers, food bloggers, or bakeries looking to encourage more people to appreciate and enjoy this classic French treat.

The croissant itself, however, has a rich and well-documented history that dates back centuries, far beyond this modern celebration.

The History of the Holiday

The croissant’s origins trace back to 13th-century Austria, where a pastry called the kipferl was created.

The kipferl, which means “crescent” in German, was shaped to resemble the moon and symbolized the victory of the Viennese over the Ottoman Empire in 1683.

Legend has it that bakers working overnight in their basements heard Turkish soldiers digging tunnels under the city and alerted authorities, helping to prevent an invasion. As a tribute to their heroism, they created the crescent-shaped pastry.

In the 17th century, French chef François Pierre de La Varenne published a recipe for puff pastry, which would later evolve into the croissant we know today.

The croissant gained popularity in France thanks to Austrian officer August Zang, who opened a Viennese bakery in Paris in the early 19th century.

The pastry became an instant hit and was further popularized by Queen Marie Antoinette, who enjoyed them as a nostalgic treat from her homeland.

By 1915, French baker Sylvain Claudius Goy developed the laminated dough technique used to make modern croissants, and today, they are a staple in bakeries worldwide.

2 croissants on a plate with a black background

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. Croissants aren’t originally French. They were inspired by the Austrian kipferl.
  2. The crescent shape symbolizes victory. It represents the defeat of the Ottoman Empire.
  3. Marie Antoinette loved croissants. She helped introduce them to French culture.
  4. The first Parisian croissant bakery opened in 1837. It was called Boulangerie Viennoise.
  5. Croissants can be sweet or savory. They are enjoyed with everything from chocolate to ham and cheese.

Coloring Page

For a relaxed activity, the free croissant coloring page below is a fun option for kids or quiet time.

National Croissant Day Coloring Page
Croissant Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

  • Bake your own croissants. Try making them from scratch to appreciate the effort behind each flaky layer.
  • Visit a bakery. Support a local pastry shop and enjoy a freshly baked croissant.
  • Host a croissant brunch. Invite friends or family and serve different varieties like chocolate, almond, and ham & cheese.
  • Learn about French baking techniques. Watch tutorials or read books to understand the art of laminated dough.
  • Try new recipes. Explore creative ways to use croissants in dishes beyond breakfast, such as desserts and casseroles.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

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Links to Resources

Related Holidays

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Jan 30 - National Croissant Day