Introduction
My first taste of a New York Roll with pistachio wasn’t in New York, ironically—it was on a cold Sunday morning in Chicago. A friend brought a box of what looked like croissant pinwheels, with a thick pistachio glaze dripping from the top. I remember the crunch when I bit in, followed by a silky, nutty cream that made me pause.
The texture. The richness. The unexpected complexity.
From that day on, I made it my personal mission to crack the code behind this viral dessert. In this guide, you’ll not only discover how to make pistachio New York rolls at home, but also how to elevate them into bakery-level treats.
Whether you’re a dessert lover or a food trend chaser, this article has you covered. Expect personal tips, expert pastry tricks, and insights pulled from some of the best pistachio dessert recipes online.
Don’t miss our ultimate pistachio croissant recipe—it’s the pastry that inspired these rolls!
What Are New York Rolls and Why Pistachio?
Origins of the New York Roll
The New York Roll, or “Suprême,” was created by Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery in NYC. It took social media by storm thanks to its unique shape—a circular croissant, piped full of flavored cream and often topped with nuts, glazes, or ganache.
Unlike the traditional croissant, which is long and crescent-shaped, the NY Roll is round, filled, and frosted, making it a dessert hybrid between a donut and a pastry.
The Pistachio Effect
What makes pistachio such a game-changer in pastry?
It’s the perfect mix of earthy and sweet, subtle yet luxurious. It pairs beautifully with buttery doughs, enhancing flavor without overpowering. That pale green hue doesn’t hurt either—it looks like a premium dessert.
Learn more about other pistachio-based desserts in this creamy pistachio tiramisu you’ll love.
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Dough Fundamentals
To make authentic New York rolls, you’ll need laminated croissant dough. That means layering butter between dough sheets and folding multiple times. You can make it from scratch or buy high-quality frozen croissant dough.
Basic Dough Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted European-style butter (higher fat, better flavor)
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Salt
- Whole milk
The Pistachio Cream Filling
The cream makes or breaks your roll. A rich pistachio pastry cream uses:
- Pistachio paste (or crushed roasted pistachios blended into a smooth butter)
- Milk
- Egg yolks
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
Discover how to create luscious cream with this homemade Italian pistachio cream guide.
Optional Toppings
- Crushed pistachios
- White chocolate glaze
- Honey drizzle
- Edible gold leaf (for that bougie bakery vibe)
How to Make Pistachio New York Rolls at Home
Step-by-Step Dough Prep
- Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk and knead until smooth.
- Laminate with cold butter: roll, fold, chill. Repeat 3x.
- Shape into tight circles and proof for 2 hours.
Bake & Cool
Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until golden and puffed. Let cool completely before filling.
Making the Pistachio Cream
- Heat milk with sugar and pistachio paste.
- Whisk egg yolks and cornstarch separately.
- Combine slowly to temper.
- Cook until thick. Chill and load into piping bag.
Assembly
Cut a small hole in the center of the roll bottom and pipe in cream generously.
Top with a swirl of ganache or pistachio glaze. Garnish with nuts or powdered sugar.
Variations You Should Definitely Try
Pistachio White Chocolate Rolls
Add white chocolate chips inside the dough or drizzle a thick white chocolate glaze on top for extra sweetness.
Lemon Pistachio Rolls
Add lemon zest to your pistachio cream to cut through the richness.
For citrus lovers, this lemon cheesecake dessert makes an excellent side pairing.
Raspberry-Pistachio Supreme
Add a spoon of raspberry jam into the cream core. The tartness elevates the entire experience.
Inspired by raspberry ice cream recipes for fruity contrast.
Tips to Nail Texture and Flavor
Chill Your Dough
Working with warm dough ruins lamination. Always chill between folds.
Use Real Pistachio Paste
Don’t substitute with flavored syrups. Real roasted pistachio paste is key to a deep, nutty profile.
Let the Flavors Sit
Once assembled, refrigerate the rolls for 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes for a firmer bite.
Storage, Serving, and Gifting Tips
How to Store
- Room temp: 1 day (covered)
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (in airtight container)
- Freezer: Freeze before filling for up to 1 month
Serving Tips
Serve chilled or slightly warmed. Pair with cappuccino or pistachio latte.
Looking for a unique gift box idea? Try wrapping them like this gift-ready pistachio fudge.
Pistachio Desserts Around the World
Italian Influence
From cannoli to gelato, Italy makes pistachio a staple.
Try this pistachio cannoli guide if you want to go full Italian.
Middle Eastern Inspirations
Baklava with pistachio and honey is a classic. Add honey drizzle to your NY Roll for an inspired twist.
Pistachio Roll Troubleshooting
Too Flat?
Dough may be under-proofed or butter too warm during lamination.
Cream Leaking?
Rolls need to cool completely before filling. Overfilled centers also cause cracks.
Tastes Bland?
Boost your pistachio paste with a pinch of salt or toasted nuts. Check your vanilla extract—it makes a huge difference.
FAQs About New York Rolls with Pistachio
PAA1: Can I use store-bought croissant dough?
Yes, but quality matters. Go for all-butter puff pastry or frozen croissant sheets.
PAA2: Is pistachio cream the same as pistachio paste?
No. Paste is pure ground nuts, while cream includes dairy, sugar, and thickeners.
PAA3: How long do New York Rolls stay fresh?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Fill just before serving for best texture.
PAA4: What’s the best alternative to pistachios?
Try hazelnuts or almonds for similar creaminess and crunch.
PAA5: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pastry flour and xanthan gum. Texture may vary.
PAA6: Are they kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just tone down the richness if needed and make them mini-sized.
Conclusion
If you love pistachio and buttery pastries, the New York Roll with pistachio cream is the hybrid dessert you never knew you needed. Whether it’s a bakery-level brunch treat or a showstopper at your next party, this pastry brings sophistication and indulgence to any table.