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Ridiculously Easy Almond Croissants Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 22 reviews

These Ridiculously Easy Almond Croissants are a delightful treat made with flaky puff pastry, rich almond cream (frangipane), and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch, this recipe delivers bakery-quality croissants at home with minimal effort and in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Almond Cream (Frangipane)

  • 3 tablespoons very soft butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon water

Pastry

  • 17.25-ounce package of purchased puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed but still cold
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for diluting leftover frangipane)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Line a 13×18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Make the Frangipane: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons very soft butter and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon almond extract, whisking again until fully combined. Stir in ½ cup almond flour and then 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
  3. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk 1 large egg with 1 teaspoon water until well blended. Set aside for later use.
  4. Cut Puff Pastry: On a clean work surface, unfold the thawed (but still cold) puff pastry sheets. Using a dough cutter or sharp knife, cut each sheet into 3 equal rectangles. Then, cut each rectangle diagonally into 2 long triangles, giving you 6 triangles per sheet.
  5. Prepare Triangles for Rolling: Place the triangles on the work surface with the wide end facing you. Cut a small slit at the wide end of each triangle to help the dough roll evenly into croissant shapes.
  6. Fill with Frangipane: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the almond cream onto each triangle and spread it evenly over the surface. Add 1 tablespoon milk to the leftover frangipane and set it aside for later brushing.
  7. Roll the Croissants: Starting at the wide end, carefully roll each triangle into a croissant shape. As you roll, gently stretch the dough apart slightly at the wide end to maintain shape and create flaky layers.
  8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled croissants on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1½ inches of space between each to allow room for baking expansion.
  9. Apply Egg Wash and First Bake: Brush each croissant lightly but thoroughly with the egg wash, covering all exposed surfaces to achieve a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  10. Brush with Diluted Frangipane and Add Almonds: Remove the croissants from the oven and brush them with the reserved frangipane mixture diluted with milk. Sprinkle about a scant tablespoon of sliced almonds over each croissant for added crunch and flavor.
  11. Final Bake: Return the croissants to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until they turn medium golden brown and fully puffed.
  12. Cool and Finish: Transfer the croissants to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a beautiful, sweet finish.
  13. Serve: Put on your French baker’s hat and enjoy your almond croissants warm or at room temperature. Bon Appétit!

Notes

  • For best results, keep puff pastry cold before baking to maintain flakiness.
  • You can prep the almond cream ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Adjust the amount of almond extract for a stronger or more subtle almond flavor.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
  • Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400˚F to achieve perfect puff and browning.
  • Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness.

Keywords: almond croissants, almond cream croissants, easy croissant recipe, puff pastry croissants, frangipane croissants, breakfast pastry, French pastry

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/ridiculously-easy-almond-croissants-recipe/