Buttery Almond Filled Croissants

Name: Buttery Almond Filled Croissants
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 croissants
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold milk; 1 tablespoon yeast; 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 egg for egg wash

Highlighted under: Oven Cooking

I absolutely love baking buttery almond filled croissants at home. The aroma of fresh pastry fills my kitchen, making it a delightful experience. Each bite reveals a rich almond filling that perfectly complements the flaky croissant layers. I always look forward to this treat during weekend brunches; it’s a personal favorite that never disappoints. With a little patience during the preparation, these croissants transform into a delicious, indulgent experience that everyone at the table will adore. Trust me, making them from scratch is worth every minute!

Created by

Xanthe Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-02-16T08:25:36.952Z

Baking buttery almond filled croissants has become a beloved weekend ritual in my household. The process of making the dough, allowing it to rise, and finally rolling it out with the homemade almond paste fills me with a sense of accomplishment. I've found that letting the dough rest properly results in a flaky and tender texture that’s hard to beat.

My secret tip? Brush the croissants with an egg wash before baking for that golden finish! The combination of flavors and textures makes these croissants a standout at any table, and I often find myself sharing them with friends and family, who can’t resist asking for the recipe!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flaky, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
Irresistible almond filling that adds a nutty sweetness
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack

Understanding Dough Layers

Creating the perfect flaky texture is all about the dough layers. Start by ensuring your butter is very cold; this is crucial because it needs to create steam pockets as the croissants bake. If your butter warms up while mixing, the croissants will turn out dense instead of airy. When rolling out the dough, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This thickness will allow for ample layers, which contribute to the classic croissant flakiness.

Another key to achieving layers is the folding technique, known as the 'turns.' After forming your dough, roll it out and fold it several times, allowing the gluten to relax between turns. Each fold increases the layers significantly, resulting in that signature flaky texture. Aim for at least three folds, allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes between folds to maintain the butter’s cold temperature.

Perfecting the Almond Filling

The almond filling is a star component of this recipe, contributing a unique richness to the croissants. Using almond flour creates a delicate texture, but it's essential to sift it with the powdered sugar to avoid lumps. This mixture ensures a smooth filling that spreads easily across the dough. If you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced note.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s at room temperature, as it helps blend seamlessly with the almond flour and sugar. Additionally, if almond extract is hard to find or you're allergic, vanilla extract can serve as a viable swap, providing a pleasant sweetness without overpowering the almond flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

These buttery croissants are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are still warm and the filling is deliciously gooey. However, if you need to make them ahead of time, you can refrigerate the unbaked croissants. After shaping, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and they can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure an even rise.

For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. To refresh them, simply reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes; this will help restore their flaky texture. If you want to freeze them, place the unbaked croissants on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a few additional minutes to the cooking time.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the best buttery almond filled croissants:

Dough Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold milk
1 tablespoon yeast

Filling Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg for egg wash

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your buttery almond filled croissants:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in cold milk, then combine with the flour mix. Knead until a smooth dough forms, then cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and almond extract. Mix until well combined and smooth. Set aside.

Shape the Croissants

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Cut into triangles and place a spoonful of almond filling at the base of each triangle. Roll them up from the base to the tip, forming croissants. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush croissants with beaten egg for a golden color. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked buttery almond filled croissants with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

If you're in need of substitutions, there are a few options that work well with this recipe. For all-purpose flour, you can try a mix of white whole wheat and all-purpose flour; this will add a bit of nuttiness while maintaining the structure needed for flakiness. When it comes to almond flour, you might consider using finely ground hazelnuts or pecans if you want to switch up the flavor, creating a unique filling while keeping it nut-based.

In cases where you need a gluten-free option, look for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that you might need to adjust liquid ratios slightly. Additionally, if you can't find powdered sugar, you can blitz granulated sugar in a blender until fine, which can work almost the same in the filling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue is the croissants not rising enough while baking. This could be due to the yeast being expired. Always check the date on your yeast packet and ensure it’s fresh. Additionally, the dough must have enough time to rise in a warm environment; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate efficiently, leading to flat croissants.

If your croissants come out too dense, it likely means the butter was not cold enough initially, or the dough was overworked. Ensure to mix just until combined and handle the dough gently to prevent overheating. Remember, the key is in keeping the butter cold, so cooling your utensils in the refrigerator can help if your kitchen is warm.

Serving Suggestions

These croissants are delightful when paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a simple fruit salad, providing a refreshing contrast to the indulgent almond filling. They also team wonderfully with a robust coffee or a fragrant tea for a cozy brunch experience.

For an extra touch, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled croissants. This adds a lovely sheen and sweetness without overpowering the almond flavor. If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking for a lovely crunch and visual appeal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, using store-bought puff pastry can save time. Just ensure you properly follow the rolling and filling steps.

→ How do I store leftover croissants?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these croissants?

Yes, you can freeze baked croissants. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with croissants?

They pair wonderfully with fruit preserves, honey, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy with a hot beverage!