pin it
This flaky almond croissant bite recipe transforms my favorite bakery treat into an easy homemade version that's perfect for brunches or afternoon tea. Using store-bought puff pastry and a simple almond filling, these miniature pastries deliver all the buttery, sweet almond flavor of traditional croissants with half the effort.
I first made these almond croissant bites for a holiday brunch gathering when I was short on time but wanted something special. They disappeared within minutes, and now they're my go-to when I need an elegant but effortless treat that reminds me of Parisian bakeries.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: One sheet of store bought pastry providing the flaky, buttery base
- Almond flour: Creates the authentic almond croissant flavor. Blanched variety gives the smoothest texture
- All purpose flour: Helps thicken the almond filling to the perfect consistency
- Egg: Binds the filling ingredients together while adding richness
- Butter: Preferably salted for enhanced flavor, but unsalted works too
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the sweet filling
- Almond extract: A small amount delivers intense almond flavor that makes these truly special
- Sliced almonds: Provides beautiful decoration and delightful crunch on top
- Powdered sugar: Optional final dusting that adds sweetness and bakery shop appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the almond filling:
- Combine almond flour, softened butter, brown sugar, egg, all purpose flour, and almond extract in a bowl until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture should have a thick, spreadable consistency that will hold its shape when baked.
- Cut the pastry:
- Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to even out any creases. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut twenty four equal squares, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches each. Work quickly to prevent the pastry from warming too much, which can affect its rise.
- Form the pastry cups:
- Gently press each pastry square into the cavities of a mini muffin pan, allowing the corners to create a decorative edge. Take care not to stretch or tear the dough as this will affect how evenly it bakes. If the dough becomes too warm or soft, refrigerate briefly before continuing.
- Fill with almond mixture:
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the prepared almond filling into each pastry cup. The filling should come just below the top edge of the pastry, as it will puff slightly during baking.
- Add topping:
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over each filled pastry cup. The almonds will toast and become golden during baking, adding both visual appeal and textural contrast to the finished pastries.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully toward the end of baking time. The pastries should be golden brown with puffed edges and a slightly set almond filling that has just begun to brown on top.
pin it
The almond extract truly makes these special. I once tried making them without it when I ran out, and while still good, they lacked that distinctive almond pastry flavor that makes traditional almond croissants so irresistible. That small teaspoon makes all the difference between a good pastry and an exceptional one.
Make Ahead and Storage
These almond croissant bites truly shine as a make ahead option. After baking and cooling completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To serve, allow them to come to room temperature or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, these pastries freeze beautifully. Place cooled pastries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep perfectly for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore their fresh baked taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation. These croissant bites pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon treats. For a more decadent dessert approach, serve warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought puff pastry with homemade if you prefer. It will provide an even flakier and more buttery texture.
- → How long can I store almond croissant bites?
You can store these bites in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- → What’s the best way to reheat almond croissant bites?
Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the pastry soggy.
- → Can I use a different filling flavor?
Absolutely! While almond filling is classic, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, fruit preserves, or hazelnut spread for variety.
- → Can I skip the sliced almonds on top?
Yes, if you prefer a smoother topping or have an allergy to nuts, you can skip the sliced almonds and opt for a dusting of powdered sugar instead.