Almond Pastries

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Upgrade store-bought croissants with homemade almond filling, flavored syrup, and toasted almonds. Great choice for brunch or a sweet treat.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Fri, 02 May 2025 18:33:27 GMT
Three golden almond pastries dusted with powdered sugar, topped with almond slices, revealing creamy centers. Pin it
Three golden almond pastries dusted with powdered sugar, topped with almond slices, revealing creamy centers. | cookingkitchn.com

Make these dreamy almond pastries in your own kitchen instead of waiting in line at the bakery. You'll need store-bought croissants, a rich almond filling, and a touch of rum syrup to whip up treats that taste just like they came from a French pastry shop.

An Irresistible Breakfast Indulgence

These croissants transform ordinary mornings into something magical. The shortcut of using pre-made croissants saves you time but the taste won't give away your secret. With their crunchy tops and sweet almond filling, they'll outshine anything from your local bakery.

What's Required

Croissants:
Day-old ones work better as they'll absorb more of the flavors
Rum Simple Syrup:
A basic mix of sugar water with a hint of rum
Frangipane:
A dreamy blend of almond flour butter sugar eggs and vanilla
Powdered Sugar:
To add that lovely dusting on the finished product

Let's Create Together

Begin With The Syrup
Mix equal amounts of water and sugar in a saucepan. Let it bubble until sugar dissolves then stir in your rum. Cool it down while you handle the other components.
Craft The Almond Filling
Start by combining your sugar and almond flour. Add softened butter then mix in eggs and vanilla until everything looks creamy and smooth. This frangipane mixture will be the star of your pastries.
Prepare Your Croissants
Cut each croissant horizontally like you would for a sandwich. Brush rum syrup on both cut sides. Add generous amounts of almond filling inside and spread some on top too.
Bake To Perfection
Set your oven to 375°F and bake for around 15 minutes. You want them golden and crunchy outside but still tender inside.
Add The Finishing Sparkle
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top while they're still hot. It'll melt slightly creating a gorgeous glaze.

Prep Tricks

You can fix up your almond cream and syrup days before you need them. The syrup stays good for about a month when refrigerated and the almond mix lasts a week. Just remember to let the cream sit out a bit so it's easier to spread.

A close-up of buttery croissants topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, arranged on a plate with a small bowl of powdered sugar in the background. Pin it
A close-up of buttery croissants topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, arranged on a plate with a small bowl of powdered sugar in the background. | cookingkitchn.com

Serve Warm

Nothing beats these treats straight from the oven. You can get everything ready ahead of time but don't bake them until you're nearly ready to eat. The warm layers with their crispy edges are totally worth waiting for.

Your Paris Moment

Grab a steaming cup of coffee and savor your homemade almond croissant. You might just feel like you've been transported to a little sidewalk cafe in France with every delicious bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this early?

They're best fresh, but you can make the almond filling ahead.

→ What’s the deal with syrup?

It keeps the croissants moist and adds a sweet touch.

→ What if I don’t want rum?

No problem, just swap rum with a splash of vanilla.

→ Can I avoid almond flour?

Not recommended as it gives the right texture and taste.

→ How can I store extras?

Room temp works for a day, but they're best enjoyed fresh.

Almond Pastries

Flaky croissants stuffed with luscious almond filling and sprinkled with almonds. A foolproof take on a French classic.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup powdered sugar.
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
03 6 croissants.
04 1/2 cup sliced almonds.
05 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.
06 1/4 cup water.
07 1 tablespoon dark rum or 1 teaspoon vanilla.
08 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
09 1 cup almond flour.
10 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
11 1 large egg.
12 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
13 A bit of powdered sugar for sprinkling.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking tray.

Step 02

Combine sugar, water, and rum in a saucepan until melted.

Step 03

Stir together almond flour, regular flour, and salt in one bowl.

Step 04

Cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until it’s fluffy.

Step 05

Beat the egg and almond extract into your butter mix.

Step 06

Gradually add the flour mix to the wet ingredients and stir until there are no lumps.

Step 07

Cut the croissants in half and brush the inside with the syrup.

Step 08

Spoon about 2 1/2 tbsp of the frangipane on the lower half of each croissant.

Step 09

Spread around 1 1/2 tbsp frangipane on top and sprinkle with almond slices.

Step 10

Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes or until the almonds are golden.

Notes

  1. Tastes best if eaten the same day.
  2. You can make the frangipane early.
  3. Butter needs to be room temp.
  4. Keep leftovers at room temp.

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking tray.
  • Parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • A couple of mixing bowls.
  • Small saucepan.
  • Sharp serrated knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Almonds (nuts).
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Includes eggs.
  • Wheat products (flour, croissants).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 625
  • Total Fat: 39 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 10 g