If you’ve ever admired the golden pastries behind a Parisian bakery window, these Flaky French Almond Croissants will make you feel right at home. This bakery-style breakfast uses day-old croissants transformed with rich almond cream, crunchy sliced almonds, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. The result is indulgent, nutty, and surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Flaky French Almond Croissants Recipe
- Bakery-style texture at home using simple techniques
- Perfect use for day-old croissants with no waste
- Rich almond flavor that’s sweet but not overpowering
- Great for brunch or holidays when you want something special
- Pairs beautifully with coffee or lattes for a cozy morning treat
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4–6 day-old croissants
- 1 large egg
- 150 g finely ground almond flour
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 150 g powdered sugar, divided
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 50 g sliced almonds
- 200 ml whole milk
- 150 ml water
- 10 g instant yeast
- 10 g salt
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Flaky French Almond Croissants
Step 1: Make the Light Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar. Warm gently until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let cool. This syrup keeps the croissants moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Almond Cream
In a bowl, mix almond flour, powdered sugar (reserve some for dusting), egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. The texture should be spreadable, not runny.
Step 3: Prepare the Croissants
Slice the croissants horizontally. Lightly brush or spoon syrup onto the cut sides to soften them without soaking.
Step 4: Fill and Assemble
Spread a generous layer of almond cream inside each croissant, then close. Add another thin layer of almond cream on top and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden, fragrant, and slightly crisp on top.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old croissants for best absorption and structure
- Swap almond extract for vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor
- Add a touch of orange zest to the almond cream for brightness
- Lightly toast almonds beforehand for deeper nutty flavor
- Serve warm for the most authentic bakery-style experience
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these almond croissants warm with a hot latte, cappuccino, or tea. They’re perfect for brunch spreads, holidays, or relaxed weekends. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
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Flaky French Almond Croissants – Bakery Style
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 croissants 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your morning like a Parisian with these Flaky French Almond Croissants. Buttery croissants are brushed with a light syrup, filled with rich almond cream, topped with sliced almonds, and baked until golden. Finish with powdered sugar for a bakery-style breakfast that pairs perfectly with coffee.
Ingredients
4–6 day-old croissants
150 g almond flour (finely ground)
150 g powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
50 g granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp almond extract
50 g sliced almonds
150 ml water
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the syrup: warm the water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves; cool slightly.
3. Make the almond cream: mix almond flour, powdered sugar, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.
4. Slice croissants horizontally. Lightly brush or spoon syrup onto the cut sides (moist, not soggy).
5. Spread a generous layer of almond cream inside each croissant and close.
6. Spread a thin layer of almond cream on top of each croissant, then sprinkle with sliced almonds.
7. Bake 15–18 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
8. Cool 5–10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
Day-old croissants work best because they absorb syrup without falling apart.
Avoid over-soaking: a light brush of syrup gives moisture while keeping the pastry flaky.
No almond extract? Swap with vanilla extract for a gentler flavor.
Optional twist: add a little orange zest to the almond cream for a bright, citrusy note.
Storage: keep in an airtight container up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to bring back crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Final Thoughts
These Flaky French Almond Croissants prove that bakery-style pastries don’t have to be complicated. With a handful of pantry ingredients and a little love, you can create a breakfast that feels elegant, comforting, and truly special.