Easy Almond Croissants are a delightfully flaky pastry filled with rich almond cream and topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. The subtle crunch of the almonds pairs perfectly with the buttery, tender layers of the croissant, making each bite a wonderful combo of textures and flavors.
I love making these because they come together quicker than you’d expect, especially if you start with ready-made croissants. This shortcut means you can enjoy a delicious, bakery-style treat without spending hours in the kitchen. My favorite part is mixing the almond filling—it’s creamy, sweet, and so satisfying.
I usually serve these warm, fresh out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a great weekend breakfast or a special snack to impress friends. Plus, they’re a hit with everyone who tries them, whether they’re familiar with almond croissants or tasting one for the first time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Croissants
- Use buttery, flaky croissants as they give you that classic light texture. Day-old croissants work great because they hold the almond filling better. If you want a lighter option, you could try brioche, but it’s richer and denser.
- Almond Flour
- This gives the creamy almond filling its signature taste and texture. If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground almonds work, or you can pulse whole almonds in a food processor. Avoid almond meal for a finer texture.
- Butter & Sugar
- Unsalted butter helps control salt in the recipe. Use softened butter to get a smooth filling. For sugar, granulated works best here, but you could swap for coconut sugar if you want a milder sweetness.
- Egg & Vanilla
- The egg binds and enriches the almond cream. Vanilla adds warmth and depth. If you need an egg substitute, a flax egg can work but expect a slightly different texture.
- Milk
- Almond milk or any regular milk helps toast the topping nicely. Feel free to use oat or soy milk as a dairy-free swap.
- Almond Slices & Powdered Sugar
- Sliced almonds give crunch and look pretty toasted on top. Powdered sugar adds a final sweet touch. For a nut-free alternative, try toasted coconut flakes to decorate.
How Can You Get a Perfect Almond Filling and Flaky Croissants?
The almond filling (frangipane) should be smooth but thick enough to hold in place. Here’s what helps:
- Use softened butter and beat it well with sugar before adding egg and almond flour. This makes it creamy and easier to spread.
- Mix until all ingredients are fully combined but avoid overmixing to keep some fluffiness.
- When slicing croissants, cut halfway through carefully to avoid squishing the layers.
- After spreading the filling inside, add a thin layer on top and sprinkle almonds evenly to prevent uneven toasting.
- Brushing milk on the almond topping before baking helps it brown beautifully without drying out.
Baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes lets the almond cream set and the croissants crisp up just right. Let them cool slightly to avoid the filling oozing out, then dust powdered sugar for a lovely finish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – provides a flat surface for even baking and browning.
- Parchment paper – keeps croissants from sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Mixing bowl – to combine your almond filling ingredients smoothly.
- Hand mixer or whisk – helps make the almond filling creamy and lump-free.
- Sharp knife – to slice croissants carefully without squashing them.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing milk on top to help almonds toast well.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding a spoonful of jam (apricot or raspberry) inside before the almond filling for a fruity twist.
- Swap almond flour for hazelnut flour to create a hazelnut croissant variation with a deeper nutty flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest into the almond filling for extra warmth and brightness.
- Add chocolate chips inside with the almond filling for a chocolate-almond combination I love for a special treat.
Easy Almond Croissants
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Croissants:
- 4 large croissants (day-old or fresh, preferably buttery and flaky)
For The Almond Filling (Frangipane):
- ½ cup almond flour (finely ground almonds)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons almond milk or regular milk
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for baking. So, in about 30 minutes you can enjoy warm, delicious almond croissants ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Preheat:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your croissants from sticking and for easy clean-up.
2. Make the Almond Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix almond flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This almond filling is called frangipane and gives the croissants their rich, nutty flavor.
3. Assemble the Croissants:
Carefully slice each croissant horizontally about halfway through to create a top and bottom half. Spread a generous layer of the almond filling on the inside of the bottom half. Then place the top half back on.
4. Add the Topping:
Spread a thin layer of the remaining almond filling on top of each croissant. Next, sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top and brush lightly with almond milk or regular milk to help the almonds toast beautifully.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the croissants in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and the almond topping is set and lightly toasted. Let them cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Croissants for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen croissants, but make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before assembling and baking. This helps maintain their flaky texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Almond Croissants?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I Substitute Almond Flour With Another Nut Flour?
Absolutely! Hazelnut or cashew flour can be used for a different nutty flavor, but the texture and taste will vary slightly. Avoid using coarse nut meals for a smoother filling.
Is It Possible to Make the Almond Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the almond filling up to 2 days in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.