Name: Almond Croissants
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (60 ml) water; 1 tablespoon dark rum or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (96 g) almond flour; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, soft; 1 cup (113 g) powdered sugar; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 6 store-bought or leftover croissants; ½ cup (43 g) sliced almonds; Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Short Description

Almond croissants are a decadent, bakery-style treat made by filling buttery croissants with rich almond frangipane and topping them with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or using up leftover croissants, they’re golden, crisp, and irresistibly nutty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A delicious way to repurpose day-old croissants
Filled and topped with luscious homemade almond frangipane
Lightly soaked in rum or vanilla-infused syrup for extra moisture and flavor
Toasty almonds on top add crunch and visual appeal
Impressive yet easy to assemble

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Simple Syrup:

¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) water
1 tablespoon dark rum or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frangipane:

1 cup (96 g) almond flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, soft
1 cup (113 g) powdered sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon almond extract

For Assembly:

6 store-bought or leftover croissants
½ cup (43 g) sliced almonds
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Make the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and rum or vanilla.
Cook over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until sugar dissolves (1–2 minutes).
Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Frangipane

In a bowl, whisk almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
Stir in the egg and almond extract until fully incorporated—keep stirring if the mixture initially separates.
Fold in the dry ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Croissants

Slice croissants in half horizontally.
Brush cut sides generously with the simple syrup or dip cut sides directly into the syrup. Use all the syrup.
Spread about 2½ tablespoons of frangipane on the bottom half of each croissant.
Replace tops and spread about 1½ tablespoons of frangipane over the top of each.
Sprinkle sliced almonds on top, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake

Place croissants on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until frangipane is golden and almonds are lightly toasted.
Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6 croissants
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add a layer of raspberry jam or chocolate spread under the frangipane
Use hazelnut or pistachio flour in place of almond flour for a twist
Add orange zest to the frangipane for brightness
Use mini croissants for a bite-size version

Storage/Reheating

Best enjoyed the same day
Store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants?

Day-old croissants work best because they absorb the syrup without getting soggy.

What is frangipane?

A creamy almond filling made from almond flour, sugar, butter, and eggs—rich, nutty, and smooth.

Can I skip the simple syrup?

It’s optional but recommended for moisture and authentic flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble a few hours in advance and bake fresh when ready.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Best fresh, but you can freeze after baking and reheat in the oven.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, though it may give a slightly coarser texture.

What’s the difference between these and bakery versions?

These are just as delicious and customizable—made easily at home!

Can I add almond paste?

Yes, blend a small amount into the frangipane for a richer almond flavor.

Can I use puff pastry instead?

No, croissants are key for the layered, buttery texture this recipe relies on.

How do I prevent frangipane from spilling over?

Avoid spreading it too close to the edges and use firm, room-temperature croissants.

Conclusion

Homemade almond croissants are an irresistible way to elevate leftover pastries into a luxurious, café-worthy treat. With a creamy almond center, toasty topping, and sweet finish, they deliver bakery-level flavor and elegance with minimal effort—perfect for weekend brunches or indulgent mornings.