Almond Croissants
These quick Almond Croissants are BETTER than Starbucks! Using ready-made croissants makes this recipe so easy but the results are super impressive and better than any croissant you’ve ever tasted.
★★★★★
Olga says –
“Simple and amazing! I can’t believe it took me so long to realize that almond croissants can be made at home using store bought croissants and ingredients most people have in their pantry. I’ve made these four times now and they always turn out amazing.
Beats paying $7 for one at the cafe and tastes even better freshly baked. Will continue to make these over and over again, the recipe is simple and delicious. Thank you for this!”
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
✔ Budget-Friendly: The almond filled croissants at Starbucks cost upwards of $4 or more per croissant. This easy recipe makes 8 croissants for much less money than it’d cost to buy the same amount.
✔ Bakery Quality: This is a wonderful “anytime” baked good. It’s simple enough to make on a busy morning, but looks and tastes like something you’d find at a bakery.
✔ Quick 25-Minute Prep: You could serve these croissants at a special occasion brunch, baby shower, or holiday gathering and no one would bat an eyelash. Little do they know, this recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish!
About This Easy Copycat Recipe
One of my favorite treats at Starbucks is their almond croissants. The sweet almond filling paired with the flaky croissant is the perfect snack with my cup of coffee.
However, the price of those almond croissants can add up if I’m not careful!
I recently started making my own almond-filled croissants at home. I can safely say they’re much cheaper than the Starbucks version, and they’re also much tastier!
Below you’ll find my top tips and tricks for making filled almond croissants.
Special Tools You’ll Need (Just a Few!)
This is a quick and easy recipe to make, but having the following kitchen tools on hand will make things go more smoothly:
- Serrated knife: Makes it easier to cleanly cut the croissants in half.
- Parchment paper: I recommend lining your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Pastry brush: For brushing on the syrup.
- Sugar sifter: For dusting the croissants with powdered sugar.
What You’ll Need for the Almond Filling and Croissants
This is a semi-homemade recipe for almond croissants. I’m normally a from-scratch type of baker, but even I draw the line at making homemade croissants!
Instead, you’ll use store-bought croissants for this recipe (or buy them from your favorite bakery!). However, the frangipane filling and almond topping are homemade.
The only somewhat “special” ingredients you might need to run to the grocery store for are as follows:
- Croissants: Remember that croissants are NOT the same as crescent rolls! So, if you’re buying store-bought dough to bake them yourself rather than buying pre-made croissants from the bakery section be sure to read the label closely
- Almond meal: This is a fancy term for raw almonds that were ground finely with their skins still on. You can make your own almond meal or buy it at the store.
- Almond extract: Try to get your hands on pure almond extract rather than imitation. (McCormick has a great budget option that’s around $5, as I recall.) Almond extract is much more potent than vanilla extract, so do NOT add more than what the recipe calls for or else it will overpower the frangipane filling.
- Sliced almonds: Sometimes labeled as “slivered almonds.” These wafer-thin almonds are sweetly nutty in flavor and add some texture to the croissants.
Making Copycat Starbucks Almond Croissants in 5 Easy Steps
Because this recipe uses store-bought croissants, the prep work is minimal. Once the frangipane filling and vanilla syrup have been whisked together, you can begin assembly!
- Prep the croissants: Slice the croissants lengthways but don’t cut all the way through. Set aside.
- Make the vanilla syrup: Combine the water, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let boil for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Make the almond croissant filling: Melt the butter, then add the sugar, almond meal, eggs, and almond extract. Beat until fully combined.
- Assemble the croissants: The syrup is brushed inside the croissants to prevent them from drying out, then the almond filling is spread around. Close the croissant and brush it all over with more syrup before being topped with more of the almond filling. Top with slivered almonds for the perfect finishing touch!
- Bake the croissants: You’ll know they’re done once they’re golden brown. We love serving them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use day-old croissants. The slightly stale croissants will be easier to cut. Don’t worry about them being too dry after being baked, though. The sugar syrup actually helps to revive stale croissants!
- Don’t cut all the way through the croissants. You want to cut them almost to the far edge and no further. This will help to contain the filling and prevent it from leaking out the sides of the croissant.
- Don’t overfill the croissants. Although it’s tempting, take care not to overfill the croissants with frangipane because it may seep out during baking. Just 2 tablespoons of filling per croissant is all you need.
- Have leftover frangipane filling? It can be used in a number of recipes, such as stuffed French toast, muffins, and more. Any unused Frangipane will keep an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store: Almond croissants should be stored in an airtight container on the countertop. They will keep for up to 2 days, noting that they will dry out over time.
To reheat: You can reheat leftover filled croissants for 5 to 10 minutes in a 325ºF oven. They’re also delicious at room temperature!
★★★★★
Paula says –
“I’ve never had these at Starbucks but they rival ones that we have had at a now defunct local bakery. Absolutely delicious!! Will definitely be making these again. Thanks so much for posting!”
What to Serve With These Almond Croissants
These croissants are delicious when paired simply with your morning cup of coffee or tea. They’re also an easy alternative to pancakes or waffles if being served as part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread.
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Almond Croissants Recipe
These quick almond croissants are BETTER than Starbucks! Using ready-made croissants makes this recipe so easy but the results are super impressive and better than any Almond Croissant you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients
- 8 croissants (stale/day old if possible)
For the Vanilla Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frangipane Filling
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups almond meal (or almond flour/ground almonds)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For Almond Topping
- 8 tbsp sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the croissants length-ways but don’t cut all the way through. Set aside.
Making the Vanilla Glaze
- Put the water, sugar and vanilla extract into a saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring. Then, continue boiling for 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Making the Frangipane
- Melt the butter in the microwave in a heatproof bowl.
- Then, add the sugar, almond meal, eggs and almond extract. Beat until fully combined.
Assembling the Croissants
- Using a pastry brush, brush the syrup onto the inside of the croissants.
- Then add 2 heaping tablespoons of frangipane and spread until the inside of the croissant is coated.
- Close the croissant then brush the syrup over the top of the croissant and down the sides.
- Add 1/2 a tablespoon of frangipane and spread it over the top of the croissant. Scatter a tablespoon of sliced almonds on top, pressing them on gently.
- Repeat with the remaining croissants.
Baking the Croissants
- Place the croissants in the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until the croissants and almonds are golden brown.
- Sift powdered sugar on top of the croissants and serve immediately while still warm.
Notes
Croissants: It’s best to use croissants that are a day old when making this recipe. This makes them easier to cut. However, we have made almond croissants multiple times and the recipe will work with freshly baked croissants. They will just be a little harder to handle.
Storage: Once the croissants have been filled and assembled, they’re best baked and eaten right away. However, leftover croissants will keep for up to 2 days on the counter.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 711Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 335mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 5gSugar: 36gProtein: 13g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy. This provided information is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Olga Khylchuk says
Simple and amazing! I can’t believe it took me so long to realize that almond croissants can be made at home using store bought croissants and ingredients most people have in their pantry. I’ve made these four times now and they always turn out amazing. Beats paying $7 for one at the cafe and tastes even better freshly baked. Will continue to make these over and over again, the recipe is simple and delicious. Thank you for this!
Paula Waterman says
I’ve never had these at Starbucks but they rival ones that we have had at a now defunct local bakery. Absolutely delicious!! Will definitely be making these again. Thanks so much for posting!
Katie Kick says
Glad to hear it!