My infatuation with recipes, baking, and the holiday season leads to endless creativity and indulgent recipes that offer decadent tastes to satisfy the palate.
I love visiting bakeries, but truly authentic bakeries are far and few between.
However, while we were in Italy, walking the streets of Sicily and Rome, we found a common pastry, an Almond Croissant.
Both were outstanding and craveable, long after they were eaten. A light crunch, with a mild sweetness and an almond-nuttiness.
All I can say is foodie heaven was within steps of our family’s home in Sicily and our hotel in Rome and we visited daily!
The Almond Croissant Recipe that I have created offers a very similar crunch, nuttiness, and a sweet scent that will waft all through the house.
After making these, I just stop and smell the air, because I feel like I am back in Italy again.
Simply perfect, this light and airy almond croissant will have you craving more after each bite (watch those fingers!).
Nostalgia helped me create an Almond Croissant Recipe that is just begging to be placed out for the holidays.
Now it’s your turn to be the artisan pastry chef and recreate the recipe. Ready?
ALMOND CROISSANTS
So as it turns out, it’s not just me that loves these special almond croissants, the world does, and you can find them at Whole Foods.
We were at whole foods, and I picked up an Almond Croissant, in fact, you can see it on my Instagram Feed.
Here’s the thing, most don’t realize. When you make the Almond Croissants, there are shortcuts.
Almond Croissants don’t need to be made from scratch, in fact, you can enjoy eh benefit’s of buying premade, day-old croissants to lessen the workload.
What What? Not Homemade Croissants?
Allow me to clue you in. Some of the best eats are invented by combining a little of this and a little of that.
Being of Italian heritage, I can assure you that my recipes are often a pinch of this and a pinch of that.
Albeit harder to be relatable to those that are fanatical sticklers for precision, no one in Casa Vento minds it.
Where Do You Get The Croissants to create Almond Croissants?
Now that is a great question and I am about to floor you with an answer.
How about your favorite warehouse club? Yep, I buy them in bulk and they can be older or stale, no worries.
What is about to happen to the croissants after you add the precisely measured filling and topping is magical.
STALE does not exist once we craft this whole sweet treat.
Bulk? Really?
Here’s the thing, buying a few croissants is very pricey.
In a few of our local grocery stores, a 4 pack is upwards of $5.
Once you eliminate the grocery stores and shop bulk, this recipe is not only affordable but elegant and turns out well always.
Tips For Creation And Storage of Almond Croissants
As you might have guessed, croissants are a special pastry. You need to treat it that way, from start to finish.
I cut the croissants immediately, and rebox unless I am ready to cook at that minute.
The cut allows some air to pass onto the open face/slits made with a knife and a bed for the danish to not seep through.
That said, danish is the item you want to be concerned with as shelf-stable is not advisable.
Since I live on the East Coast and we know that our holidays will be very cool, I store these in several ways.
If our second refrigerator is filled, they get moved to a lock-tight cooler, stored outside (no raccoon is breaking into this, lol!)
Alternatively, garage storage in a snap-top container as well. IT’s cool in here and acts to refrigerate at a reliable 40ยฐ F.
Packaging for Almond Croissants
Keep that box that the croissants came in, no matter if it is plastic or cardboard, it’s one to keep.
See, I upcycled the cardboard box I bought them in. It really looks pro in my mind, lol!
You can reuse this. Also, grab some parchment paper so you can place that down before you put the ‘remodeled’ croissant in the box.
Additionally, you can use airtight plastic food storage containers (dollar tree brand works fine).
How Many Will This Make?
I’ll answer this as honest as I can. IT is going to depend on your hand.
Heavy or light administering of danish, syrup topping? How do you apply it?
I’ve done a batch of 24 small croissants (palm-size) or 12 large.
I am fairly consistent on the danish ‘smear’ as I don’t over-do it.
Remember, there’s a danish filling, a nut-cream paste, and a topping too.
Fairly rich in consistency and content, you want to be generous, without an overly-indulgent hand.
Did you want the video? Make sure you watch this so you can see what I do over and over again.
You Could….
Just for kicks, I’ve tried Nutella in here instead of the almond paste and holy yum!
I mean, if you are wondering how wonderful it tasted?
Hazelnut against almond crunch and danish, a trifecta of yum.
However, I am an almond girl and feel that too much of a good thing (Nutella) just kills what is going on with the almonds.
Offering that suggestion for those who really want to experiment or are asking, “would that work?” and Yes it does!
Almond Croissant Serving Suggestion
Almond croissants are very filling and rich. We cut them into slices and sometimes just 1/2 them so we can enjoy other treats.
I have found that ONE is a full serving and divine as a ‘cheat day’ dessert with a cup of coffee.
Tray these up on pretty holiday trays, or atop mini cake, serving stands.
Don’t add the confectionary sugar UNLESS you are serving them right then.
For those that are storing then serving. Take the ones out of the box you want to use.
Plate them up, then sprinkle with powdered (confectioner’s sugar) sugar.
How To Make Almond Croissants
Kitchen Appliances & Tools
Cutting Board
Parchment Paper
Bread Knife
Baking Tray
Blender
Powdered Sugar Duster
Zipper Bag (for piping)
Pot 2 qt (for syrup)
For The Croissants
2 Cups of SLICED Almonds – they can be roasted or blanched truly your choice ( I used whatever I had)
1 Dozen Large Croissants (or 2 dozen miniature)
Almond Syrup (Used on inside and outside of croissant)
3/4 Cup of Sugar
1/4 Cup of Water
3 Tablespoons of Almond Meal (I used Trader Joe’s it’s always perfect)
1/4 Tsp Almond Extract
1/4 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Almond Paste (this goes INSIDE the croissant)
A cup of Almond Meal (keep an extra 1/4 nearby, you may need it)
1 Tbsp of Flour
9 Tbsp of Butter ( salted & room temperature)
A Cup of Powdered Sugar
2 Large EGGS whisked (I whisked to really blend)
Danish Filling
Whisk One Large egg & An Egg Yolk together (I used our smoothie maker to do this)
Cube 8 ounces cream cheese (it’s got to be ROOM Temperature)
3 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar
Nut Topping
Use an 8 oz back of sliced almonds
Place almonds in a flat round bowl.
Directions From Start To Finish For Almond Croissant
Preheat your Oven to 350ยฐ Fahrenheit
Cover your cookie pan with either parchment or a silicone baking mat.
Almond Syrup
Start here as you need this syrup to be made and then cool.
The syrup can cool as you prep the Almond Paste and Danish Filling.
Grab a 4 qt pot, and combine in the sugar, water and almond meal.
Mix before placing on the stovetop to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Low to medium-low heat on the stovetop.
Once sugar is dissolved, take off and add in almond and vanilla, whisk quickly.
Set aside and allow to cool.
Almond Paste
While allowing the Almond Syrup to cool, make the Almond Paste.
This can sit out for about an hour.
However, if you are not going to use it right away, just toss it in the refrigerator.
No need to bring it to room temperature, it will be just chilled if you set it in there while preparing the danish or if you cut the croissants last.
Combine Almond Meal, flour, and butter together. I used my NINJA to process this as it was easiest.
You want to get it creamed together. Pulse for about 30 seconds.
Stop and then add in Powdered Sugar, pulse again. Make certain that dry ingredients are mixed and scrape the bottom with a spatula.
Add the eggs and pulse again for 30 seconds.
Remove mixture and spoon into a disposable icing sleeve or a big ZIP type bag
Use immediately or refrigerate.
Prep the Croissants
Slice each croissant in 1/2.
Pay attention to keeping them evenly sliced, not thinner on ends.
This will matter when you add the syrup and the cream. Even cuts only.
Place the sliced croissants on the lined tray and prepare the syrup, paste, and danish filling.
The air will NOT harm the open-faced croissant.
Almond Slices
Place almond slices in a bowl.
Method To The Madness of Creating an Almond Croissant
It will be like a production line.
Yes, your hands will get sticky, so get it all together and lined up, so the mess is limited.
Croissants, Syrup, Paste, Danish, Nut Topping, have it all there, like in the video.
Assembling the Almond Croissant
Divide the cut croissant in 1/2.
Each half will be coated with ‘some’ ingredients.
First, squeeze the almond paste onto one side of the croissant.
Next, add a dollop of the danish filling.
Then, to the opposing 1/2, brush with almond syrup.
Close croissant.
Brush top with more almond syrup.
Press into sliced nuts.
Replace to the tray.
Repeat, until ALL croissants are nut topped.
Bake at 350ยฐ F until Golden Brown. Remove and allow to cool.
Serve or Refrigerate in an airtight container.
The LAST STEP – Go Nuts Here!
If you are serving these right away, dust with confectioner’s sugar.
However, if you are not serving these right away, then, do not dust each, instead, use an airtight container and store until needed.
Once you take them out to serve or give to family, then DUST with the confectioner’s sugar.
The Almond Croissants are the perfect sweet treat for any holiday, birthday or just any day.
I was super pleased with the Almond Meal mixture, it is pretty light and fluffy.
Serve this on a pretty plate and make certain to dust with more powdered sugar.
Lavishly live food, baking, and delicious sweet treats out loud when you create my Almond Croissants. ~ DANA
Croissants are my guilty pleasure and seeing this recipe persuades me to make one!
This is my favorite! I normally purchase them but would love the idea of making my own almond croissant. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I am so excited.
Almond croissants are my faaave! This recipe sounds amazing, definitely saving!
You are giving me another reason to get a Ninja! I think it would be awesome and tasty to have an almond croissant it would be nice and crunchy!
Those look amazing. I love the taste of almond in all my recipes when I bake. I even put it in my sugar cookies.
This really looks amazing! I’m going to have to put this in my recipe file for future reference! Love almond anything!
This really looks amazing! I’m going to have to put this in my recipe file for future reference!
These look delicious. I have never made a croissant – perfect project for a cold windy day – nice way tow arm up the house.
Oh goodness an almond croissant sounds so delicious! I might try to make these soon!
I am a huge fan of anything almond, but have never had an almond croissant before! I think I need to give one of these a try!
This looks incredible! I am a fan of almonds and my husband loves croissants!
I have never made croissants before. However, I must admit that these look very delicious. I may have to make them for my boys one day. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us.
Looks so yummy and decadent, almond is on of my favorite flavors1
I have had croissants before, but never almond. I’d try it.
These look yummy. My 12 year old makes croissants for the holidays. I think she would love to make these. I would love for her to make these. ๐
I have never made my own croissants but may have to give it a try. These sound great.
Croissants are definitely a weakness of mine and remind me of being on vacation since that is when I truly indulge. These sound heavenly and I bet the touch of almond is amazing!
I love everything with almond. This looks like a delicious recipe.
While I don’t ever choose nuts for a snack, I’ve learned that almond is one of my favorite flavors. I tred an toasted almond tea and I think it would match these croissants really well.
These look so good! What an awesome treat for a special breakfast or brunch.
How yummy is that?! Any time you add almonds to a bread product it’s a winner. DEE-lish.
Now that sounds yummy! I would love one of those with my coffee for breakfast. Mmm!
I would love one of these everyday but I think that the nutrition in them would just be over the top!
Oh, these look delicious! I wouldn’t mind having one for breakfast.
Almonds are my favorite nuts. I love powdered sugar, but have never had the two together. I am going to enjoy this next weekend!
Wow, this looks so yummy! I’ve never tried making croissants before. I think it’s time I try.
This has my name all over it. I am in love with the taste of almond, especially in baking!
yum! Almond is my favorite! I love the sweet and richness that they offer in most recipes. ๐ This looks like a super recipe to try for a special breakfast.
The idea of using day-old croissants to make a treat like this had never occurred to me. Then again day old croissants are a rarity in our house. I just need to find out if almond meal is the same as ground almonds. If it is then I will be having a go at this dish, otherwise I will have to find out what almond meal actually is.
Ok Almond Meal is an almond that has been ground with a coarse grind, the skin is still on and you will see the flecks of the skin, no biggie in this recipe:) Whereas Almond Flour is a blanched almond NEVER will you see skin on these, and the grind on Almond Flour is very fine.
This looks delicious! I’d love a bit with a cup of coffee ๐
My baking skills are limited to two recipes but I would sure love to bite into one of these!
That looks so delicious. Wish I wasn’t allergic to almonds. I wonder if I could substitute with a different nut?
Yummy, I’m sure my husband and kids would love this. I’m gonna make this with your fantastic recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Looks delicious almond croissant have to try recipe sweets. Will share with friends.
let me know how they turn out:) Cheers
This croissant recipe sounds delicious! I love almond
Wow, does that look so yummy!!! So hungry right now!!
I love that you took store bought croissants and turned them into a masterpiece! These look amazing and I would out a dollop of fig jam in this, I must make these
This looks delicious. I can almost taste it now.
It looks lovely! I have not tried making a croissant before but I enjoy eating it! Hehe. I’d love to try this recipe!
Oh that looks so good! I like that you added almonds. I do like having almonds or walnuts in my pastries.
Those look delicious! I love almonds. They are great in baked goods. It looked like you garnished these with powdered sugar. I didn’t see it in the recipe. I may have just missed it. I like to use a sifter to dust with powdered sugar. It is a great way to make sure that it gets lightly and evenly distributed. Thanks for the great recipe!
What tools or apps do you use to store recipes? Do you have a favorite app for grocery shopping lists?
i would need to leave off the almonds but other than that this sounds like a delicious recipe!
I love almonds but don’t think I will be making these anytime soon though. Looks really good
Awww am in sweet tooth haven and Its not fair lololol
I am also off sweets and desserts and all things chocolatey or Easter with all its goodies will come and find Christmas still in residence in my body!
So I am keeping this awesome recipe for when I am back to a more normal eating behavious and I can indulge in an almond Croissant or ten ๐
What a great way to dress up croissants. This would work great with day old ones.
I love almond croissants so this sounds so good!
This looks delicious! I am definitely going to try this ๐
Those sound so yum! My family would love these.