Almond Croissants

Almond croissants are a delightful French pastry, known for their buttery, flaky texture and sweet almond filling. Traditionally made using day-old croissants, this recipe breathes new life into leftover pastries, transforming them into a luxurious treat that feels both decadent and homemade. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or indulging in a midday snack, almond croissants are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These almond croissants offer a perfect balance of crispiness and softness, filled with rich almond cream and topped with a dusting of sliced almonds and powdered sugar. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, especially when using store-bought croissants, and they taste just like the ones from a high-end French bakery. This recipe is ideal for using up leftover croissants and requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

ingredients

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

• Croissants (preferably day-old or slightly stale)

• Unsalted butter

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Almond flour (or finely ground almonds)

• All-purpose flour

• Almond extract

• Sliced almonds

• Powdered sugar

• Water (optional, for simple syrup)

directions

1. Prepare the Almond Cream (Frangipane): In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, almond flour, all-purpose flour, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.

2. Make Simple Syrup (optional): In a small saucepan, heat equal parts water and sugar until dissolved. Let cool. This is used to moisten the croissants before filling.

3. Slice and Moisten Croissants: Cut each croissant in half horizontally. Brush the inside lightly with the simple syrup to add moisture and flavor.

4. Fill with Almond Cream: Spread a generous amount of almond cream on the bottom half of each croissant. Replace the top half and spread more almond cream on top.

5. Top with Sliced Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.

6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and the filling is slightly set.

7. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Let croissants cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 almond croissants and takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for baking, totaling 30 minutes.

Variations

• Chocolate Almond Croissants: Add a few chocolate chips or a layer of chocolate spread before the almond filling for a richer flavor.

• Vegan Almond Croissants: Use vegan butter, egg replacers, and plant-based croissants for a dairy-free version.

• Berry Almond Croissants: Add a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam inside the croissant before spreading the almond cream.

• Orange Zest Addition: Incorporate orange zest into the almond cream for a fresh citrus twist.

storage/reheating

Storage: Almond croissants are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may compromise the crisp texture.

FAQs

What type of croissants work best for almond croissants?

Day-old or slightly stale croissants are ideal as they absorb the syrup and cream better without becoming soggy.

Can I make almond croissants from scratch?

Yes, but it is time-consuming. This recipe is designed to use pre-made croissants for simplicity.

Is almond flour the same as ground almonds?

Almond flour is usually finer and blanched (without skins), while ground almonds may include the skins and have a coarser texture. Either can be used in this recipe.

Can I freeze almond croissants?

Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven from frozen until warmed through.

How do I keep the croissants from becoming soggy?

Avoid over-soaking with syrup and ensure they are baked long enough for the filling to set properly.

Can I use marzipan instead of almond cream?

Marzipan is sweeter and denser, so it’s not recommended as a direct substitute for the frangipane almond cream in this recipe.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can omit it or use a small amount of vanilla extract, though the almond flavor will be less pronounced.

Are almond croissants gluten-free?

Not typically, unless you use gluten-free croissants and flour alternatives in the filling.

Why are my croissants leaking almond cream?

This could be due to overfilling or the cream being too runny. Use a thicker consistency and moderate amount.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for best results.

Conclusion

Almond croissants are an elegant yet simple way to elevate ordinary croissants into something truly special. With a rich almond filling, crisp golden crust, and dusting of powdered sugar, they make an indulgent addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or craving a bakery-style treat, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.