Easy Almond Croissants
Easy Almond Croissants are a wonderful treat that blend flaky, buttery pastry with sweet, nutty almond filling. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special snack, with that crunchy…
Tip: save now, cook later.Easy Almond Croissants are a wonderful treat that blend flaky, buttery pastry with sweet, nutty almond filling. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special snack, with that crunchy topping of sliced almonds adding a delightful texture. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make these, which makes them even better!
I love making these when I want something fancy without the fuss. Using store-bought croissants helps keep the prep simple, and the almond cream filling is just a quick mix away. The smell while they bake is so cozy that it practically fills the whole house with warmth, making them one of my favorite weekend activities.
My favorite way to enjoy these almond croissants is slightly warm, right out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also great for sharing—everyone always asks for seconds! If you want to get creative, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top once they’re cool for an extra touch of sweetness that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Using store-bought croissants saves a lot of time. Day-old croissants work great because they hold the filling better and get crispier when baked. Fresh ones will work too, just handle gently.
Almond Flour: This gives the filling its nutty flavor and texture. If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground almonds or even cashew flour can be used as substitutes.
Almond Extract: It boosts the almond flavor nicely. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract is a good substitute, but the almond taste will be milder.
Sliced Almonds: These add a lovely crunch on top. You can use slivered almonds or coarsely chopped nuts if sliced almonds aren’t available.
Apricot Jam (Optional): This is for glazing to give a shiny finish. If you prefer not to use jam, a simple brush of melted butter after baking also works well.
How Do You Fill and Bake Croissants Without Making a Mess?
Filling croissants evenly without tearing them can feel tricky but is key to a good almond croissant. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the croissant carefully in half horizontally—go slow to keep it intact.
- Spread the almond cream with a spoon or small spatula, not too much to avoid overflow, but enough for a good bite.
- Close the croissant gently, then spread a thinner layer of almond cream on top so the sliced almonds stick well.
- Press the sliced almonds lightly so they don’t fall off during baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 mins until golden and fragrant. Watch closely towards the end to prevent burning.
Following these steps keeps your croissants neat, full of flavor, and perfectly crunchy on top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, sturdy sheet helps croissants bake evenly and catch any drips.
- Parchment paper – stops croissants from sticking and makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining the almond cream ingredients smoothly.
- Sharp knife – needed to slice the croissants gently without tearing.
- Pastry brush – handy for applying apricot jam glaze or melted butter evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use hazelnut spread instead of almond cream for a chocolatey, nutty twist that pairs well with croissants.
- Add a few chocolate chips inside before baking for a melty surprise that kids and adults love.
- Try mixing dried cherries or raisins into the almond cream for a tart, chewy contrast.
- Sprinkle cinnamon in the almond cream for warm spice flavor that’s great in cooler months.
How to Make Easy Almond Croissants
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Croissants:
- 6 store-bought croissants (day-old or fresh)
For the Almond Cream Filling:
- 1/2 cup almond flour (ground almonds)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: 2 tablespoons apricot jam (for glazing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time mixing the almond cream, slicing and filling the croissants, then baking until golden and delicious. After baking, allow them to cool just a few minutes before enjoying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep croissants from sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, almond extract, and flour. Mix well until you have a smooth, spreadable almond cream paste.
2. Fill the Croissants
Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally without tearing them. Spread a generous amount of almond cream inside each croissant. Then close the croissants and spread a thin layer of almond cream over the top of each one.
3. Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle sliced almonds generously over the tops, pressing lightly so they stick into the almond cream. Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the almond cream is set.
4. Glaze and Serve
If you like, warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the croissants after baking to give a shiny glaze. Let the croissants cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your easy almond croissants warm or at room temperature—they’re a perfect treat any time of day!
Can I Use Frozen Croissants for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen croissants completely before slicing and filling. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours to ensure they don’t tear when you cut them.
How Should I Store Leftover Almond Croissants?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To enjoy them warm and flaky again, reheat briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Can I Substitute Almond Flour with Another Nut Flour?
Absolutely! Hazelnut or cashew flour work well as alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, but the texture of the almond cream will remain delicious.
Do I Have to Use Apricot Jam for the Glaze?
No, the apricot jam is optional. You can skip it or replace it with melted butter brushed on top for a softer shiny finish without added sweetness.
