Name: Blueberry Matcha Cream Buns with Croissant Dough
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-484689H34M4S
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp instant yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1 ¼ cups whole milk, cold; 1 cup unsalted butter (for laminating); 1 egg (for egg wash); 2 cups whole milk; 4 egg yolks; ½ cup sugar; ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 tbsp matcha powder; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice; ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating); Fresh blueberries (for topping)

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These Blueberry Matcha Cream Buns are a decadent blend of French technique and Japanese-inspired flavors. Made with buttery, flaky croissant dough, each bun is fried to a golden crisp and filled with rich matcha pastry cream and a sweet-tart blueberry compote. Rolled in sugar and finished with a dollop of cream and a fresh blueberry, these pastries are a luxurious take on filled donuts, perfect for a refined brunch or elegant dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fusion of textures and flavors: Buttery croissant layers meet silky matcha cream and fruity compote.
Visually stunning: Ideal for entertaining or special occasions.
Gourmet quality at home: Brings patisserie-style baking into your kitchen.
Versatile occasion use: Serve for brunch, tea time, or a high-end dessert table.
Balanced sweetness: Earthy matcha pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of blueberries.
Make-ahead components: The cream and compote can be prepared in advance.
Crowd-pleasing: Impressive and indulgent, sure to delight guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Croissant Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 ¼ cups whole milk, cold
1 cup unsalted butter (for laminating)
1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Matcha Pastry Cream:
2 cups whole milk
4 egg yolks
½ cup sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tbsp matcha powder
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Compote:
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

For Assembly:
½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Fresh blueberries (for topping)

directions

Make the dough: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in cold milk and knead into a smooth dough. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
Laminate the dough: Roll butter into a square between parchment paper. Roll the dough into a larger square, place butter in the center, and fold over. Perform three single folds, chilling 30 minutes between each. Chill overnight.
Cut and shape: Roll out the dough to ½ inch thick. Cut into rounds with a ring cutter. Arrange on a tray, cover, and proof for 2 hours until puffy.
Fry the buns: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each bun for about 2 minutes per side until golden. Drain and roll in granulated sugar. Cool completely.
Prepare the matcha pastry cream: Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and matcha. Slowly temper hot milk into the egg mixture. Return to heat and whisk until thickened. Stir in butter and vanilla. Chill.
Make the blueberry compote: In a saucepan, simmer blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened and jam-like. Let cool.
Fill the buns: Use a piping bag to fill each bun with matcha cream from the top. Pipe blueberry compote into the center.
Decorate: Finish with a small dollop of cream, a touch of blueberry compote, and a fresh blueberry. Optionally dust with more sugar.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 10 buns
Prep Time: 1 hour (plus overnight rest)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes active
Calories: 385 kcal per bun

Variations

Strawberry version: Substitute blueberry compote with strawberry jam or fresh strawberries.
Green tea cream: Use sencha or hojicha powder instead of matcha for a milder flavor.
Baked option: Instead of frying, bake the buns at 375°F (190°C) until golden, though the texture will differ.
Lemon twist: Add lemon zest to the matcha cream for brightness.
Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based milk and butter, egg replacers, and vegan puff pastry.
Mini buns: Create smaller buns for bite-sized desserts or party platters.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store unfilled buns at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Filled buns should be refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours.
Reheating: To re-crisp unfilled buns, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Do not microwave filled buns, as the cream may separate.

FAQs

How do I know if my croissant dough is laminated correctly?

You should see distinct layers in the dough when cut. The dough should feel cold and pliable, not greasy or soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the croissant dough can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month before shaping.

What is the best way to fill the buns?

Use a piping bag fitted with a round or Bismarck tip to inject the filling from the top or side of the bun.

Can I use store-bought croissant dough?

Store-bought dough can work in a pinch, but the results will not be as flaky or rich as homemade laminated dough.

How thick should I roll the dough before cutting?

Roll it to about ½ inch thickness to allow for a good puff and flaky texture during frying.

Do I have to chill the dough overnight?

Yes, this rest allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, essential for proper lamination and rise.

What type of matcha should I use?

Use culinary-grade matcha for baking; it has a strong flavor that holds up well in cooked applications.

Can I use other fruits for the compote?

Yes, raspberries, blackberries, or cherries can also pair well with matcha cream.

Are these buns freezer-friendly?

Unfilled buns can be frozen and later reheated in the oven. Filled buns are best enjoyed fresh.

Why are my buns greasy after frying?

The oil may not be hot enough. Ensure it stays at 350°F (175°C) to prevent the dough from absorbing too much oil.

Conclusion

Blueberry Matcha Cream Buns with Croissant Dough are a showstopping treat that marries traditional pastry craftsmanship with modern flavor sensibilities. The combination of buttery layers, earthy matcha, and bright blueberries offers an elegant and memorable indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a refined brunch or treating yourself to a gourmet experience, these buns are sure to impress with both taste and presentation.