Because flaky carbs > basically everything else.
Some things never go out of style: little black dresses, handwritten thank-you notes, and the golden, buttery perfection of a croissant.
You could be in a gas station in Fresno or a café in Paris, and one thing remains true — if there’s a decent croissant in sight, you’re gonna grab it. It’s comforting. It’s sexy. It’s one wrong move from becoming a full-on lifestyle choice.
Let’s talk about why this crescent-shaped pastry continues to reign supreme across countries, centuries, and brunch menus.
Origin Story: Not Actually French (Gasp!)
Let’s get this straight. The croissant isn’t technically French. It actually traces its roots back to Austria, where the kipferl, a crescent-shaped bread, was popular as early as the 13th century.
Fast forward to 1683 — legend says bakers in Vienna created the kipferl to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Empire (crescent = Ottoman symbol). Some say they shaped the pastry to literally eat the enemy. Cold-blooded? Yes. Delicious? Also yes.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the French took the idea and said, “Let’s make it fancy.” They added layers. They added butter. They turned breakfast into an art form.
And thank god they did.
The Croissant Crisis (You’ve Been Warned)
Here’s the thing: not all croissants are created equal.
We’ve all had the tragic imposters. You know the ones:
- Too dry
- Too bready
- Weirdly sweet, but also weirdly bland
- Feels like a hot dog bun died in a microwave
A true croissant should flake like your friend Vanessa when it’s time to help you move. Layers. Drama. Butter that whispers “treat yourself.”
What Makes a Croissant Actually Great
Let’s break it down like a pastry snob at a farmers market:
- Laminated Dough – This is where the magic happens. Dough meets butter. Folded. Rolled. Chilled. Repeated. Creating hundreds of paper-thin layers.
- Butter Content – Real croissants use all the butter. No margarine. No “low fat” lies. Just unapologetic dairy decadence.
- Texture – The outside? Crisp and golden. The inside? Cloud-like. Light enough to float, strong enough to hold your jam.
- Flavor – A subtle, slightly tangy, nutty richness that only comes from proper fermentation and fat.
If your croissant tastes like a dinner roll, run.
The Croissant Lifestyle: When and How to Eat It
Answer: Always. However. Wherever.
But for those who want to do it right:
The Morning Commute Croissant
Power move. Coffee in one hand, croissant in the other. Ignore the crumbs — they’re just edible confetti.
The Love Language Croissant
Pick up a box for your partner. Or your kid’s teacher. Or the barista you’re crushing on. A good croissant says “I care,” without ever saying a word.
The Bougie Brunch Croissant
Slice it open. Add brie. Maybe ham. Maybe arugula. Maybe just more butter because you don’t fear joy.
The Late Night Croissant
Chocolate. Almond. Custard-filled. You know what you did today. You earned this.
Where to Find the Best Croissants in Sacramento
Want the real deal? Here’s where to go when you need a flaky fix in the 916:
1. Ettore’s Bakery & Café
Legit layers. They even have seasonal fruit croissants that make you question your commitment to your usual order.
2. Freeport Bakery
An institution. Their chocolate croissant is basically therapy in pastry form.
3. La Bou Bakery & Café
Classic. Dependable. The kind of croissant that says “You got this” at 8am.
4. Pushkin’s Bakery
Gluten-free, dairy-free… and somehow still flaky? Witchcraft, but we’re here for it.
5. Estelle’s Patisserie
French vibes without the plane ticket. Perfect if you want your croissant with a side of fancy.
(Go ahead and bookmark this. Croissant emergencies are real.)
Croissant Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed
Want to take your croissant game to the next level? Try these:
- Croissant French Toast – Soak leftover croissants in egg/milk/spice mix and pan-fry. You’re welcome.
- Croissant Sandwiches – Egg + cheese + bacon + croissant = dangerous levels of happiness.
- Savory Stuffed Croissants – Bake with cheese and herbs inside. Also: never share.
- Croissant Bread Pudding – If yours ever go stale (unlikely), cube them up and make the best dessert you’ve ever had.
Why Croissants Just Hit Different
Here’s the deal: croissants are a vibe. They’re soft and crispy. Sophisticated and cozy. Sweet or savory. Flaky but never fake.
They don’t ask for attention. They just sit there on the plate, golden and gorgeous, letting you come to your senses.
And when you do? Oh buddy. You’re in for a moment.
Final Thought: Be the Croissant in a World of Wonder Bread
So the next time life gets chaotic and you’re running on caffeine and pure vibes, do yourself a favor:
Pull over. Walk into a bakery. Get the croissant. Eat it slowly. Let the crumbs fall.
In a world of digital distractions, the croissant is a reminder: simple things, done well, are still worth showing up for.
Check out or top ice cream place rankings here!
