Almond Croissants Recipe

Almond Croissants are a delicious pastry filled with a rich, sweet almond paste, often topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a treat with your afternoon coffee. Making almond croissants from scratch is a bit of a process, but it’s worth the effort. If you don’t want to make the croissants from scratch, you can use pre-made croissant dough for a shortcut. Here’s a recipe to make Almond Croissants from start to finish:

Almond Croissants Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Almond Paste (Frangipane filling):

• 1 cup (100g) almond flour (or ground almonds)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Croissants:

• 4-6 fresh croissants (you can use store-bought croissants if needed)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional, for brushing)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Make the Almond Paste (Frangipane):

• In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, and almond extract (if using).
• Stir in the flour to bring everything together. You should have a thick, paste-like consistency. Set the almond paste aside.

2. Prepare the Croissants:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Slice each croissant in half horizontally, like a sandwich. You can do this with fresh croissants or use day-old croissants for a slightly firmer texture.
• If using day-old croissants, gently warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes so they’re easier to slice.

3. Fill the Croissants:

• Spread a generous amount of the almond paste on the cut side of the bottom half of each croissant. Be sure to spread it evenly.
• Place the top half of the croissant back on top. If the croissants are large, you may need to use more almond paste or press them down slightly to help them stay together.

4. Bake the Almond Croissants:

• Place the filled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Optional: Brush the top of each croissant lightly with heavy cream for a golden finish and extra richness.
• Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the top of each croissant.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the almond paste is slightly melted and bubbly.

5. Finish and Serve:

• Once the croissants are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
• Dust the croissants with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful, sweet finishing touch.

Tips:

• Using store-bought croissants: If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought croissants instead of making them from scratch. Just be sure to slice them and fill them with the almond paste before baking.
• Freezing the filling: If you make extra almond paste, it can be frozen and used later. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• Flavors: If you want to add a little extra flair, you can spread a thin layer of raspberry jam or apricot preserves inside the croissants before adding the almond paste for a fruity twist.
• Topping variations: If you prefer, you can swap the sliced almonds for chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these almond croissants warm for the best experience. They’re fantastic with a cup of coffee, tea, or a hot chocolate.
• You can also pair them with fresh fruit or a light salad for a more substantial brunch.

Almond Croissants are rich, decadent, and full of flavor—perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or treat yourself. Enjoy!