Trader Joe's 5 Best Breakfast Pastries By Far

We all know it's important to start your day off with a protein-packed breakfast, and that can look like many different things: eggs, bacon, sausage, Greek yogurt, tofu scramble, cottage cheese, you name it. But some days, all we need is a buttery, flaky pastry to get us on the right track. It might not have much protein, but one thing's for sure: It's really good at making us happy.

For those mornings when you're craving a breakfast pastry, it's a good idea to keep some on hand. And if you're nowhere near a local pastry shop, hit up your nearest Trader Joe's, where you'll find a variety of super-flaky, satisfying sweets.

We rounded up five of the most highly reviewed Trader Joe's pastries to choose from, and whichever one you pick, we're sure it'll start your day on the right foot. Even better? Each can be found in the freezer section, so they only take a few minutes to heat up. Those busy weekday mornings just got a whole lot easier — and more delicious.

Prices are as of the date of publication and may vary based on region

If you don't want to give up a little protein in the morning but can't resist a flaky pastry, Trader Joe's has you covered. Its Uncured Ham & Swiss Cheese Pockets are made with croissant dough and stuffed with — you guessed it — uncured ham and Swiss cheese. It's a simple combination, but it's a classic for a reason, and the pocket-style pastry makes it easy to wrap up and eat on the go. Each box comes with two pockets, which you can cook in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. However, TJ's recommends the air fryer for making them "buttery and super-flaky on the outside," and they take about four minutes to cook.

Your mouth is probably already watering from the description of these breakfast pockets, but if it's not, take it from the fans. One fan wrote, "Just went back for three more boxes. I'm hooked." Another called them "EPIC," adding that they were especially good with "a little bit of Dijon mustard" spread over them after cooking.

And if you don't have an air fryer, there's no need to panic. Fans have also shared their successes with the oven and microwave, proving these pastries are versatile enough to fit into just about any morning routine. Goodbye, Hot Pockets, hello, Trader Joe's.

Purchase the Uncured Ham & Swiss Cheese Pockets for $4.99.

If you're looking for a pastry that'll have you feeling like royalty first thing in the morning, look no further than this fan-favorite Trader Joe's French pastry: Kouign Amann. Pronounced "QUEEN ah-MAHN," kouign-amann translates to "butter cake" and originated in Brittany, France, in the 1860s. Similar to a croissant, this laminated pastry is made up of delicate layers of dough, butter, and sugar, resulting in a crisp, flaky exterior and rich, buttery center. Trader Joe's describes it as a "folded-up croissant cake," and we couldn't have said it better ourselves.

To make this Kouign Amann let it proof for five to seven hours. Then, when you wake up, pop it in the oven to bake for up to 25 minutes. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before digging in.

While you might be skeptical of a frozen take on such an elaborate French pastry, TJ's fans have plenty of praise for the store's version on Reddit. "I have been to Brittany, where they originated, and these are pretty close!" one fan wrote. Others called them "absolutely divine," saying they "had to control [themselves] not to eat more than one" and describing them as "super crispy, buttery, and flaky." Sounds to us like the perfect pastry to add to your breakfast lineup.

Purchase a four-pack of Kouign Amann for $5.49.

If you've sampled a Trader Joe's pastry, there's a high chance it was the chocolate croissant. These have been a TJ's staple for quite some time, so it's no wonder they remain a permanent fixture in the frozen pastry section. One box comes with four croissants. Each one is stuffed with semisweet Belgian chocolate, making them the perfect light breakfast for chocolate lovers — or anyone craving the taste of a fresh pain au chocolat without a trip to the nearest French bakery.

Just like Trader Joe's Kouign Amann, you'll need to proof these overnight. It might sound like a hassle, but don't skip this crucial step; otherwise, your croissants won't rise properly. In the morning, brush the tops with egg wash and bake them for around 25 minutes. That leaves you plenty of time to cross a few things off your to-do list — and enjoy a warm, chocolatey reward when you're done.

Regardless of the time it takes to proof these, Trader Joe's chocolate croissants remain a fan favorite among shoppers. One fan called them a "top tier baked good," describing them as "so buttery and delicious and delicate." Another shared that they "like baking these on Christmas morning," adding that it's fun to put them out on Christmas Eve. And the praise doesn't stop there. "By far the best store-bought chocolate croissants, period," one shopper wrote. "And better than chocolate croissants at many bakeries." That should tell you all you need to know.

Purchase the Chocolate Croissants for $5.99.

If you love croissants, Trader Joe's Morning Buns are worth a try. Like croissants, the dough is laminated, giving the buns satisfying, flaky layers — 20, to be exact, according to Trader Joe's. The layers are coated in a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and orange zest, giving them a unique, citrus-forward take on a cinnamon roll. The dough is then rolled into bun shapes, making for an easy, portable breakfast bite.

The Morning Buns require proofing, but this can easily be done overnight while you sleep. When they're done, bake them for 14 to 16 minutes. As they heat up, the brown sugar mixture bubbles into a sticky, sweet coating on the bottom, while the pastry becomes tender, flaky, and delicate. They're a totally indulgent addition to your breakfast spread, and will make your kitchen smell just like your favorite bakery.

Trader Joe's fans on Reddit also can't get enough of these sweet spirals. "I loved the flaky croissant texture," one Redditor shared. "The caramelized goo at the bottom, the flaky top. Amazing," another one wrote. Other fans love the hint of spiced orange flavor, which adds a unique contrast to the rich, croissant-like texture. So, whether you pair one with a hot cup of coffee or you serve them at a weekend brunch gathering, these are sure to become a staple in your freezer.

Purchase a four-pack of the Morning Buns for $4.99.

This lineup wouldn't be complete without a fall-inspired treat, and Trader Joe's open-faced Rustic Apple Tarte fits the bill. While this limited-time seasonal pastry can be enjoyed any time of day, we're partial to serving it at the breakfast table with a hot cup of coffee or a bowl of Greek yogurt for some extra protein. Or, pile the yogurt on top and pretend it's vanilla ice cream — we won't judge. However you serve it, this frozen pastry is sure to put you in a cozy fall mood.

If it wasn't obvious, we're big fans of this Trader Joe's product. So much so that it won our taste test by a mile, beating out strong competitors like the Chocolate Croissants and Apple Blossoms. We loved its flaky crust, creamy apple filling, and sprinkling of sliced almonds on top — and we're not alone.

One fan called the apple flavor in the tarte "superb" and praised its flaky crust. Others chimed in, describing it as "delicious" and "a top notch dessert." Shoppers also appreciate that it's pre-portioned, so there's no need to dirty a knife when serving. Another fan said it "must be eaten warm/fresh from the oven," adding to the cozy appeal of this fall-inspired treat.

Purchase the Rustic Apple Tarte for $5.99.