Almond Croissants
These quick Almond Croissants are BETTER than Starbucks! Using ready-made croissants makes this recipe so easy but the results are super impressive and better than any Almond Croissant you’ve ever tasted.
Making These Almond Croissants
One of my favorite treats at Starbucks is their almond croissants. The sweet almond filling paired with the flaky croissant is the perfect snack with my cup of coffee.
However, the price of those almond croissants can add up if I’m not careful!
I recently started making my own almond-filled croissants at home. I can safely say they’re much cheaper than the Starbucks version, and they’re also much tastier!
Below you’ll find my top tips and tricks for making filled almond croissants.
Just remember that croissants are NOT the same as crescent rolls! So, if you’re buying store-bought dough to bake them yourself rather than buying pre-made croissants from the bakery section be sure to read the label closely
What Makes This Almond Croissant Recipe Different?
This is a semi-homemade recipe for almond croissants. I’m normally a from-scratch type of baker, but even I draw the line at making homemade croissants!
Instead, you’ll use store-bought croissants for this recipe (or buy them from your favorite bakery!). However, the frangipane filling and almond topping is homemade.
★★★★★
Olga says –
“Simple and amazing! I can’t believe it took me so long to realize that almond croissants can be made at home using store bought croissants and ingredients most people have in their pantry. I’ve made these four times now and they always turn out amazing.
Beats paying $7 for one at the cafe and tastes even better freshly baked. Will continue to make these over and over again, the recipe is simple and delicious. Thank you for this!”
When to Serve Filled Almond Croissants
This almond filled croissant recipe is a wonderful “anytime” baked good. It’s simple enough to make on a busy morning, but looks and tastes like something you’d find at a bakery.
Make this almond croissant recipe for:
- Weekend brunches
- Valentine’s Day
- Mother’s Day
- Breakfast in bed
- Dessert
Tools Needed to Make this Almond Croissant Recipe
This is a quick and easy recipe to make, but having the following kitchen tools on hand will make things go more smoothly:
- Serrated knife — Makes it easier to cleanly cut the croissants in half.
- Measuring cups and spoons – A necessity for any baking project!
- Mixing bowl — I recommend using a medium-sized bowl that’s also microwave-safe.
- Small saucepan — For preparing the glaze.
- Baking sheet — The croissants will be baked just long enough to toast the almond topping and warm up the pastries.
- Parchment paper — I recommend lining your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Pastry brush — For brushing on the syrup.
- Sugar sifter — For dusting the croissants with powdered sugar.
Ingredients in Almond Croissants
This recipe has three components: the almond croissant filling, the vanilla syrup, and the almond topping. Oh, and the croissants themselves, of course!
Here’s an overview of the ingredients needed to make filled almond croissants:
- Croissants
- Water
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter
- Almond meal
- Eggs
- Almond extract
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this almond croissant recipe, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make Almond Croissants
Because this recipe uses store-bought croissants, the prep work is minimal. Once the frangipane filling and vanilla syrup have been whisked together, you can begin assembling the croissants.
Let’s review how the almond-filled croissants are made:
- Prep the croissants: Slice the croissants lengthways but don’t cut all the way through. Set aside.
- Make the syrup: Combine the water, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let boil for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Make the almond croissant filling: Melt the butter, then add the sugar, almond meal, eggs, and almond extract. Beat until fully combined.
- Assemble the croissants: Using a pastry brush, brush the syrup onto the inside of the croissants. Add the frangipane filling and spread until the inside of the croissant is coated.
- Close the croissant and then brush the syrup over the top of the pastry and down the sides.
- Add a little more of the frangipane filling and spread it over the top of the croissant. Scatter a tablespoon of sliced almonds on top, pressing them on gently.
- Bake the croissants: Place the croissants on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F until golden brown.
- Sift powdered sugar on top of the croissants and enjoy while still warm.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe for almond croissants. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Optional Garnishes
I recommend topping each croissant with some of the reserved frangipane filling and some slivered almonds (press them gently into the frangipane so they don’t slide off!).
I also like to dust a little powdered sugar over the tops of each croissant for added sweetness. Plus, the sugar just looks pretty!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- If you don’t have almond meal: You may substitute almond flour if you have that on hand. Or, make your own almond meal using raw almonds. Almond meal is essentially ground almonds, so it’s easy to prepare a small amount at home if you don’t need an entire bag!
- Use day-old croissants: The slightly stale croissants will be easier to cut. Don’t worry about them being too dry after being baked, though. The sugar syrup actually helps to revive stale croissants!
- Don’t cut all the way through the croissants: You want to cut them almost to the far edge and no further. This will help to contain the filling and prevent it from leaking out the sides of the croissant.
- Don’t overfill the croissants: Although it’s tempting, take care not to overfill the croissants with frangipane because it may seep out during baking. Just 2 tablespoons of filling per croissant is all you need.
- Don’t add extra almond extract: Between the almond meal, slivered almonds, and almond extract, these croissants taste plenty almond-y. Almond extract is much more potent than vanilla extract, so don’t add more than what the recipe calls for or else it will overpower the frangipane filling.
- Have leftover frangipane filling? It can be used in a number of recipes, such as stuffed French toast, muffins, and more. Any unused Frangipane will keep an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Almond Croissant Recipe FAQs
Got questions about how to make this almond croissant recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
Can I Use Freshly Baked Croissants?
It’s best to use croissants that are a day old when making this recipe. This makes them easier to cut.
However, we have made almond croissants multiple times and the recipe will work with freshly baked croissants. They will just be a little harder to handle.
Can I Make This Recipe In Advance?
Once the croissants have been filled and assembled, they’re best baked and eaten right away. However, leftover croissants will keep for up to 2 days on the counter.
Can I Use Almond Flour Instead of Almond Meal?
Yes, the frangipane filling should work with almond flour. Use whichever you have on hand.
Storage Instructions
Almond-filled croissants should be stored in an airtight container on the countertop. They will keep for up to 2 days, noting that they will dry out over time.
How to Reheat Almond Croissants
You can reheat leftover filled croissants for 5 to 10 minutes in a 325ºF oven. They’re also delicious at room temperature!
What to Serve With Almond Croissants
These croissants are delicious when paired simply with your morning cup of coffee or tea. They’re also an easy alternative to pancakes or waffles if being served as part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread.
Serve the sweet filled croissants with one or more of the following dishes:
- Chorizo Egg Scramble
- Perfect Scrambled Eggs
- Coconut Chia Pudding
- Spinach and Ham Egg Muffins
- Cheesy Broccoli Crustless Quiche
- Ham and Pepper Egg Scramble
- Fruit Salad
Try These Homemade Almond Croissants!
Next time you’re looking for a quick brunch recipe, make these filled almond croissants!
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of these croissants with almond filling.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your croissants!
★★★★★
Paula says –
“I’ve never had these at Starbucks but they rival ones that we have had at a now defunct local bakery. Absolutely delicious!! Will definitely be making these again. Thanks so much for posting!”
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Almond Croissants
These quick Almond Croissants are BETTER than Starbucks! Using ready-made croissants makes this recipe so easy but the results are super impressive and better than any Almond Croissant you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients
- 8 croissants (stale/day old if possible)
For the Vanilla Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frangipane Filling
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups almond meal (or almond flour/ground almonds)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For Almond Topping
- 8 tbsp sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the croissants length-ways but don’t cut all the way through. Set aside.
Making the Vanilla Glaze
- Put the water, sugar and vanilla extract into a saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring. Then, continue boiling for 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Making the Frangipane
- Melt the butter in the microwave in a heatproof bowl.
- Then, add the sugar, almond meal, eggs and almond extract. Beat until fully combined.
Assembling the Croissants
- Using a pastry brush, brush the syrup onto the inside of the croissants.
- Then add 2 heaping tablespoons of frangipane and spread until the inside of the croissant is coated.
- Close the croissant then brush the syrup over the top of the croissant and down the sides.
- Add 1/2 a tablespoon of frangipane and spread it over the top of the croissant. Scatter a tablespoon of sliced almonds on top, pressing them on gently.
- Repeat with the remaining croissants.
Baking the Croissants
- Place the croissants in the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until the croissants and almonds are golden brown.
- Sift powdered sugar on top of the croissants and serve immediately while still warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 711Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 335mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 5gSugar: 36gProtein: 13g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy. This provided information is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Olga Khylchuk says
Simple and amazing! I can’t believe it took me so long to realize that almond croissants can be made at home using store bought croissants and ingredients most people have in their pantry. I’ve made these four times now and they always turn out amazing. Beats paying $7 for one at the cafe and tastes even better freshly baked. Will continue to make these over and over again, the recipe is simple and delicious. Thank you for this!
Paula Waterman says
I’ve never had these at Starbucks but they rival ones that we have had at a now defunct local bakery. Absolutely delicious!! Will definitely be making these again. Thanks so much for posting!
Katie Kick says
Glad to hear it!