From light and flaky croissants to tender muffins and buttery coffee cakes, these sweet and savory breakfast pastry ideas are a special treat to start the day.
37 Breakfast Pastry Ideas to Start Your Day
Updated on Jun. 12, 2025
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Homemade Croissants
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A traditional dinner roll like this one is always welcome at holiday dinners. These homemade croissants make a big batch, so they're great when you're entertaining. —Loraine Meyer, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 croissant: 115 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
2/37
Bear Claw
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 claw: 352 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
3/37
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
With chocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk, these delicious scones are easy to make, come together fast and taste amazing with your morning coffee. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 409 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
Try this strawberry scone recipe with cream next!
4/37
Maple Twist Coffee Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like maple flavor, you will love this recipe. It is so pretty with all the twists and is always a hit at bake sales. —Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 236 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
5/37
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cinnamon roll: 429 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
6/37
Pear-Berry Breakfast Tarts
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my kids were small, I could never get pancakes on the table while they were all still hot. Then I got the idea for these breakfast tarts. They're a good and simple recipe for any busy family. —Joan Elbourn, Gardner, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 379 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
7/37
Cherry Danish
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls with their cherry-filled centers melt in your mouth and store well unfrosted in the freezer. —Leann Sauder, Tremont, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 218 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/37
Spinach Turnovers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. —Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 turnover: 103 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
9/37
Maple Sticky Buns
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has a small sugaring operation in our backyard. This recipe makes good use of the maple syrup we prepare. It's a family tradition to serve these sticky buns on Thanksgiving every year. —Priscilla Rossi, East Barre, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 sticky bun: 224 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
10/37
Doughnut Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 288 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/37
Caramel Apple Strudel
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 270 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
12/37
Sugar Plum Phyllo Kringle
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to store-bought phyllo dough, this pastry is easier to make than it looks. Serve it not only for breakfast but also for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 446 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
13/37
German Chocolate Ring
Total Time
50 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is modeled after German sweet chocolate cake, which is my favorite, so it's no wonder I enjoy making and eating this sweet-tasting bread! You can make it ahead and freeze it to bring out when you need an easy showstopper. —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 222 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
14/37
Puffed Apple Pastries
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a little extra indulgence, serve these oven-fresh pastries with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Cherry pie filling can be substituted for the apple. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without ice cream): 332 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
Check out these puff pastry desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Banana and Chocolate Puff Pastry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Banana with chocolate is such an irresistible combo that I make this quick dessert often. You can also top these tasty bundles with the butter and brown sugar mixture left over from coating the bananas, or sprinkle on a dash of sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled pastry: 596 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 8g fiber), 7g protein.
16/37
Ham & Cheese Scones
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 dozen (1/2 cup peach sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these scones as a way to use up leftover ham. The cheesy, savory wonders are a delight as an appetizer or an afternoon snack. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone with 2 teaspoons peach sauce: 437 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
17/37
Caramel Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These irresistible rolls are perfect as an Easter brunch idea! —Louis Jacobsen, Dallas, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 533 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
18/37
Strawberry Shortcake Puffs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 246 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
19/37
Cappuccino Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 14 muffins (3/4 cup spread)
From the Recipe Creator:
These are my favorite muffins to serve with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. Not only are they great for breakfast, they make a tasty dessert or midnight snack. I get lots of recipe requests whenever I serve them. The espresso spread is also super on a bagel. —Janice Schulz, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin with 1 tablespoon spread: 273 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/37
Southern Brunch Pastry Puff
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty M. Leddick, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 587 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 208mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
21/37
Brie Cherry Pastry Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry cup: 61 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
22/37
French Crescent Rolls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever we have rolls and coffee after church, these come along with me. Here on the high plains, we've been raising cattle, wheat and daughters for 30 years. Our two oldest are grown, and our youngest just began college. —Betty Ann Wolery, Joplin, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 204 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
23/37
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Although my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to take to family reunions too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 328 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
24/37
Chocolate Chip Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate chip scones are delicious warm, when the chips are melted and gooey, and served with butter. —Diane LaFurno, College Point, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 241 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
25/37
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I saw this recipe in a newspaper years ago and have changed it quite a bit. I make these muffins at least once a month and get many requests for the recipe. —Cheryl Bohn, Dominion City, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 261 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
26/37
Ham and Cheese Puffs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 110 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
27/37
Cranberry-Pistachio Sticky Buns
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a fantastic brunch item? Then try these ooey-gooey good sticky buns. They use frozen roll dough and couldn't be simpler to make. The buns rise overnight in the refrigerator, so you just need to bake them the next morning. —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sticky bun: 225 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
28/37
Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 243 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
29/37
Coffee Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 340 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
30/37
Apple Strudel
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
2 strudels (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous strudel has just what you crave: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 285 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
31/37
Brunch Puff with Sausage Gravy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When company stays overnight, I make this puff with sausage gravy as a hearty breakfast treat. It’s meaty, cheesy and delightful with a fresh fruit salad. —Danielle Cochran, Grayling, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup gravy: 546 calories, 35g fat (10g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
32/37
Quiche Pastry Cups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make egg cup surprises for family brunches on special occasions. The added fillings were always a surprise since she never seemed to use the same combination of ingredients twice. As children, we took guesses as to what we'd find in the tender crust—the game always added fun to our meals. —Denalee Standart, Rancho Mureta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry cup: 229 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
33/37
Puff Pastry Danish
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 197 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
34/37
Apple Pull-Apart Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this recipe. Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort. —Carolyn Gregory, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
35/37
Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If your guilty pleasure is a warm, crispy cinnamon roll, things just got a lot easier. Popping pre-made cinnamon rolls into the air-fryer will give you that texture you want in under 10 minutes. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 161 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
36/37
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding a splash of fresh orange juice to your cinnamon roll batter gives it a wonderful citrus flavor. But it doesn’t stop just at the dough—orange zest is also mixed into the frosting to give it that extra oomph. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 371 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
37/37
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The moist texture of banana bread combines with the warm spices of cinnamon rolls in this unique recipe. Finished with a topping of sweet cream cheese frosting, this will quickly become your new favorite treat. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 506 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
Breakfast Pastry Ideas FAQ
What are some classic breakfast treats?
Classic breakfast treats include croissants (chocolate, almond or plain), cinnamon rolls, scones and muffins. These pastries can have crisp, flaky layers or be soft, tender and buttery. The best breakfast pastry ideas are sweet or savory and pair well with coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
What are some easy pastry recipes?
Easy pastry recipes often start with store-bought puff pastry, phyllo or a simple homemade dough made primarily from butter and flour. Each option is wonderfully versatile because you can create individual pastries or large-format bakes. The buttery flavor pairs with sweet and savory ingredients—from ham and cheese to chocolate or fruit. To take your homemade pastries to the next level, drizzle them with a simple confectioners’ sugar glaze for a bakery-style finish.
What are the five basic pastries?
The five basic types of pastry dough are shortcrust, puff, choux, phyllo and flaky. Each has a distinct texture and use in baking. It’s helpful to understand the basic differences when making these easy pastry recipes at home.
Shortcrust pastry is a firm, crumbly dough that works well as the base for tarts and quiche because it holds up to wet fillings without falling apart. Puff pastry is light and airy with hundreds of buttery layers, perfect for turnovers or croissants. Choux pastry is a cooked dough with eggs used to make cream puffs, eclairs or savory gougeres. Phyllo is paper-thin and delicate but becomes shatteringly crisp when baked. It’s traditionally used in dishes like strudel, baklava and spanakopita. Flaky pastry is similar to shortcrust. However, the dough is often folded and rolled to create laminated layers between the butter and flour.
