Croissants With Almond Filling

Name: Croissants With Almond Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 croissants
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm milk; 1 cup unsalted butter (cold); 1 large egg (for egg wash); 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg (beaten for brushing)

Highlighted under: Modern Collection

I love making these irresistible croissants with almond filling as a special treat during weekend brunches. The flaky pastry encases a sweet, nutty interior that is simply divine. Each bite melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more. After multiple attempts, I found that letting the dough rest overnight significantly improves the texture, giving it that perfect buttery flakiness. Plus, the almond filling keeps everything moist and flavorful. This recipe not only impresses my family and friends, but it has also become a beloved staple in our home.

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:05:35.352Z

When I first decided to tackle croissants, I was both excited and intimidated. It took several tries to master the dough and folding techniques, but the results were worth every effort. I discovered that a combination of cold butter and chilled dough helps achieve those beautiful layers that croissants are known for. The moment they come out of the oven, I can hardly wait to dig in!

I also found that incorporating almond extract into the filling enhances the flavor tremendously. The sweet nutty aroma wafts through my kitchen, combining with the buttery scent of the croissants. Knowing that I can create something so indulgent at home feels incredibly rewarding.

        Why You'll Love These Croissants
        The delightful aroma of freshly baked almond croissants fills your kitchen.
Each croissant has that perfect combination of flaky and creamy textures.
They're easy to customize with chocolate chips or fruit for variation.

      

The Importance of Resting the Dough

Resting the croissant dough overnight is crucial for developing a rich flavor and achieving that iconic flaky texture. When you allow the dough to rest, the gluten proteins relax, enabling you to roll it out more easily and thinly. This also gives the yeast more time to work, creating an airier structure in the final product. Ideally, after the initial rise, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. You’ll notice a marked difference in texture and taste after this crucial step.

To maximize the benefits of resting the dough, consider planning your croissant-making process over two days. Prepare the dough the night before using it the next day. This will not only enhance the flavors but also help in managing your time in the kitchen, allowing for other brunch preparations while the dough works its magic in the fridge.

Perfecting the Almond Filling

The almond filling is not just a simple mixture; it transforms your croissants into a decadent treat. Using almond flour instead of whole almonds ensures a smooth and creamy filling that melds beautifully with the pastry. If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting half of the almond flour with finely chopped chocolate or hazelnuts for a delightful twist. Make sure the butter is well-softened when mixing; this allows for better incorporation and helps the filling achieve a silky texture that contrasts the flaky dough.

For the best results, prepare the almond filling while the dough is resting. That way, when you’re ready to shape the croissants, the filling will be at room temperature and easy to spread. You might even consider adding a pinch of salt to the filling to balance the sweetness and enhance the nutty flavor of the almonds.

Customizing and Serving Suggestions

These croissants are a fantastic base for your creativity in the kitchen. Aside from the classic almond filling, you can add in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even citrus zests to refresh the flavor profile. For a seasonal variation, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling during colder months to resonate with cozy flavors. Just remember to keep the overall consistency in mind; any additions should enhance the filling without making it overly wet.

When serving these almond croissants, pair them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. They are delightful when served fresh from the oven, but you can also store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them briefly in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy texture before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you get started:

For the Croissant Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm milk
1 cup unsalted butter (cold)
1 large egg (for egg wash)

For the Almond Filling

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg (beaten for brushing)

Make sure to prep these ingredients before starting the dough process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your croissants with almond filling:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then let it rise for 1 hour.

Incorporate the Butter

Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Sandwich the cold butter between two layers of dough, then roll out to a larger rectangle. Fold and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this process 3 times.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, blend almond flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and almond extract. Set aside.

Shape the Croissants

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Cut into triangles, place a spoonful of almond filling at the base, and roll towards the point to shape into croissants. Place on a baking sheet.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush croissants with the beaten egg, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked croissants! They are perfect served warm with a cup of coffee.

Pro Tips

For extra puffiness, let the croissants rise for an additional 30 minutes before baking.

Troubleshooting Croissant Issues

If you find your croissants aren’t rising as expected, it could be due to the yeast. Ensure that your milk is warm but not hot (between 100°F and 110°F). If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast, and if it’s too cool, the yeast won’t activate properly. Always check the expiration date on your yeast to prevent any mix-ups that could inhibit the rising process.

Another common issue is achieving the right layer definition in your croissants. If your layers aren’t crisp and visible, it may be due to insufficient folding of the dough. Ensure each fold is thorough, and give the dough a quick chill if you notice the butter starting to melt during the rolling process. The butter should remain solid but pliable to create those perfect flaky layers when baked.

Storage and Freezing Tips

If you want to make these croissants in advance, consider freezing them before baking. Once shaped and on the baking sheet, cover them well with plastic wrap and place the sheet in the freezer. After they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to a month. When you're ready to bake, you can simply remove the desired number and let them rise overnight in the fridge before baking them in the morning.

For baked croissants, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a maximum of two days. If you need to store them longer, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave to preserve their flaky texture. A quick 5-minute reheat at 375°F (190°C) will have them tasting almost freshly baked.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry can be a great time saver, but the results may vary.

→ How do I store leftover croissants?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I freeze croissants?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked croissants. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

→ What can I substitute for almond flour?

You can use hazelnut flour or finely ground oats as a substitute.