Cookie Croissant Smash

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each croissant horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling. Keep the two halves attached so the croissants stay together while baking. Gently press each croissant with the palm of your hand to flatten it slightly. This creates the signature "smash" effect while providing more space for the cookie dough filling.

Spoon a generous amount of softened chocolate chip cookie dough into the center of each croissant, spreading it gently between the flaky layers. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cookie dough to create delicious melted pockets of chocolate throughout the dessert. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Brush this sweet butter mixture generously over the tops of the croissants. As they bake, the butter helps create a beautifully crisp, caramelized exterior with a hint of warm cinnamon flavor.

Arrange the filled croissants on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one for even airflow. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the croissants are deeply golden brown, the tops are lightly crisp, and the cookie dough is fully baked while remaining soft and gooey in the center. Keep an eye on the croissants during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the edges from becoming too dark.

Remove the Cookie Croissant Smashes from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting time allows the cookie filling to set slightly while staying warm and molten inside. If desired, sprinkle the tops with crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers for an extra crunchy finish. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and finish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an indulgent bakery-style dessert that's guaranteed to impress.