Almond Croissants
These easy Almond Croissants are flaky, buttery, and ready in just 20 minutes. This simple recipe uses store-bought croissants and features a decadent almond cream filling that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Love croissants? Then you’ll adore these cookie butter crescents, chocolate chip biscuits, and blueberry banana bread!
I’ve seen French bakeries portrayed in movies and television, but I will admit, I’ve never been to one before. But if I were to go to one, I’d imagine seeing lots of flaky croissants, small bites, and decadent desserts. And bakery-style almond croissants just happen to be a favorite of mine.
Maybe you have some leftover croissants lying around your kitchen, or maybe you picked up a few from your grocery store or bakery, and if so, do I have a recipe for you! While this dessert may seen overwhelming, it’s actually super easy to put together.
This easy almond croissant recipe looks like it came from a fancy bakery and tastes completely homemade, but is really made from the store-bought or day-old croissants and is ready in minutes. No one will guess that these aren’t homemade croissants…it’ll be our secret!
Unlike other homemade almond croissants, this recipe doesn’t use simple syrup or almond syrup. Instead, the creamy almond filling comes from a mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and ground almonds. It’s simple to prepare and makes these the most delicious almond croissants.
The inside of the croissant has that creamy, almond filling and the outside has more filling and crunchy almonds. It’s sweet, savory, and all-around delectable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy: By using a slightly stale croissant or store-bought ones, this treat tastes and looks homemade, without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Simple ingredients: with just a handful of ingredients, you probably have most everything you need right in your kitchen.
- Perfect for different events: whether you have a party, baby shower, a family gathering, or you just want a sweet treat, this almond croissant recipe is perfect for any occasion.
What is an almond croissant called in French?
The French name for this recipe is Croissants Aux Amandes.
Why Should You Use Day-Old Croissants?
While fresh ones are delicious, the older, stale croissants are slightly dryer in texture. This will help the almond mixture adhere to the croissants better and not become soggy or too soft.
Ingredients Needed:
- Unsalted butter: unsalted butter works best because you can control the amount of salt in this recipe.
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs: will help bind the filling and hold it together.
- Ground almonds: this gives the filling that rich almond flavor.
- All-purpose flour
- Large croissants: store-bought or day-old ones work best, although you could make homemade croissants if you want.
- Slivered almonds: this gives the croissants a crunchy texture.
How to Make Almond Croissants with Almond Paste:
- Mix: add the butter and salt to a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Then, mix in sugar and eggs.
- Add: add ground almonds and flour the mixture and mix well.
- Assemble: spread the almond filling on the bottom half of each croissant, as well as on the tops of croissants. Sprinkle with slivered almonds.
- Bake: place croissants onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
How to Store:
Although these are best enjoyed warm from the oven, leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tip: This treat tastes great when warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!
To freeze: store cooled croissants in a freezer-safe container or bag in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, let thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.
Do You Eat These Hot or Cold?
This almond dessert can be eaten hot or cold. After baking, you can let these cool to room temperature, or serve warm right from the oven.
Since leftovers need to be refrigerated because of the filling, this treat can also be served cold.
What if You Can’t Find Croissants?
If you can’t find any store-bought or frozen croissants, you can make your own using puff pastry and then follow the directions for the almond filling in this recipe.
Smaller croissants or crescent rolls will work, though they may not hold up as well with the filling because of the size and texture.
Can You Make These Ahead of Time?
While this recipe is best eaten straight from the oven, you can prep the croissants the night before and then bake them the next morning, if desired.
What to Serve These With:
My favorite way to enjoy these flaky almond croissants is with a cup of coffee or tea. However, these would be delicious all on its own or when paired with some fresh fruit for a simple breakfast or dessert.
Tips for Making the Best Almond Croissants:
- Try not to overfill the croissants, as the frangipane filling might seep out and cause a mess when baking.
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the croissant before adding the filling. This will help keep the almond frangipane contained within the croissant.
- For extra richness, replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
- To enhance the almond flavor, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the filling.
- To bring out a vanilla flavor, add vanilla extract to the filling.
- Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the croissants for added sweetness.
Looking for More Easy Dessert Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Air Fryer Banana Bread
- Vanilla Mug Cake
- Easy Banana Cobbler
Almond Croissants
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, (softened)
- Pinch of salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 large croissants, (I used the store-bought kind from my grocery story bakery)
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or coat lightly with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and a pinch of salt with a hand mixer or stand mixer with fitted paddle attachment until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined; then add eggs and mix well.
- Add ground almonds and flour to sugar mixture and beat until combined. Set aside.
- Slice each croissant horizontally, almost all of the way through (like a hot dog bun). Spread 3-4 tablespoons of almond filling onto the opening of each croissant. Then spread 1 tablespoons of the filling on top of each croissant and top with slivered almonds. Repeat with rest of croissants.
- Place croissants on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Croissants will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- These taste great warmed up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- For extra richness, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- To amplify the almond flavor, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the filling.
- See my tips and tricks for making these Almond Croissants above the recipe box.
