Easy Almond Croissants
Easy Almond Croissants are a wonderful way to enjoy that flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet almond cream and topped with crunchy toasted almonds. They bring together the perfect mix…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Easy Almond Croissants are a wonderful way to enjoy that flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet almond cream and topped with crunchy toasted almonds. They bring together the perfect mix of textures—the crisp outside, the soft, almond-flavored inside, and a touch of powdered sugar to finish it off. It’s a simple twist on a classic treat that feels special without needing a lot of work.
I love making these when I want something a little fancy but don’t want to spend hours baking. Using store-bought croissants makes all the difference—it’s a great shortcut that saves time but still gives you that fresh-baked feeling. Adding the almond filling and baking them until golden creates a lovely aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone eager to dig in.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these almond croissants is fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. They’re also great for sharing with friends or bringing along to a brunch. I always think a batch of these almond croissants lifts the mood, whether it’s a regular weekday morning or a weekend treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Day-old store-bought croissants work best—they’re drier and hold the almond filling better. Fresh ones might be too soft and can get soggy. If you want to bake from scratch, that’s awesome but takes more time.
Almond flour: This gives the filling a rich, nutty flavor. You can substitute with finely ground hazelnut flour for a different twist. Regular flour won’t add the same almond taste, so try to stick to nut-based flours.
Almond extract: Just a little boosts the almond flavor in the filling. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract or a teaspoon of almond butter can work, though the flavor will be less sharp.
Sliced almonds: These add a nice crunch and a pretty look on top. Toast them lightly in a dry pan before using if you want extra flavor. You can swap with chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts for variety.
Apricot jam (optional): Brushing this on top adds shine and a subtle fruity note. If you don’t have apricot, any clear jam like peach or apricot-free marmalade works fine.
How Do You Make the Almond Filling Smooth and Creamy?
The almond filling (frangipane) is the heart of this recipe. Mixing it until smooth ensures it bakes into a soft, flavorful center without lumps.
- Start with softened butter so it blends easily with sugar and almond flour.
- Use a fork or hand mixer to cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and almond extract, mixing well before folding in flour and almond flour.
- Mix just until smooth; overmixing can make it dense.
This filling will spread easily inside and on top of croissants, giving you that lovely almond taste and creamy texture each bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface that holds croissants evenly and catches drips.
- Parchment paper – prevents croissants from sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Mixing bowl – for combining almond filling ingredients smoothly.
- Spoon or small spatula – helps spread filling inside and on top of croissants easily.
- Pastry brush – perfect for glazing croissants with apricot jam for a shiny finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap almond flour with hazelnut flour for a nutty but different flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the almond filling for warm spice notes.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips with the almond filling for a sweet surprise inside.
- Top with chopped pistachios instead of sliced almonds to try a colorful crunch.
Easy Almond Croissants
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Croissants and Filling:
- 6 store-bought croissants (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
For Finishing Touches:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glazing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15–20 minutes to bake, so you’ll have delicious almond croissants ready in under 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick special treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the croissants from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Almond Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, almond extract, and all-purpose flour. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this almond filling is called frangipane.
3. Prepare the Croissants:
Take your croissants and carefully slice each one in half horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. This makes a pocket perfect for holding the filling.
4. Add the Almond Filling:
Spoon or use a small spatula to fill each croissant generously with the almond filling on the inside.
5. Top the Croissants:
Spread some more almond filling evenly over the top of each croissant. Then, sprinkle the sliced almonds generously on top to add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
6. Bake the Croissants:
Place the filled and topped croissants on your baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the almonds get toasted.
7. (Optional) Glaze and Finish:
If you want a shiny, sweet finish, gently warm the apricot jam and brush it over the croissants right after baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the croissants cool just a bit, then dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious almond croissants!
Can I Use Frozen Croissants for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the croissants before using them. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature so they’re easy to slice and fill.
How Should I Store Leftover Almond Croissants?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To enjoy them warm again, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispiness.
Can I Substitute Almond Flour with Regular Flour?
Regular flour won’t give you the same nutty flavor or texture, but you can mix a small amount in a pinch. For the best taste, stick with almond flour or try hazelnut flour as a tasty alternative.
Is There a Dairy-Free Version of This Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with a dairy-free spread or coconut oil and check your croissants are dairy-free. The almond filling will still be creamy and delicious with these substitutions.