Okay, picture this: I’m It’s Sunday morning, the smell of coffee is wafting through the air, and instead of slaving away at the aroma of tea, I can smell it. What is a full-sized almond croissant? What are some of the best almond croissants you have ever eaten? What are some of the most addictive little nuggets of buttery almonds? Is it easier to make something than you think? If you love the idea of a Coffee Cake but want something more elegant… well, you’re in luck. *French*, these are your new best friend. My family devours them, and I have a feeling yours will too!
What are almond croissant bites?
Think of **Almond Croissant bites** as the miniature, more approachable cousin of the classic almond croissant. They capture all the delightful flavors – that flaky, buttery pastry, the rich almond filling, and the dark chocolate. Sweet glaze – but in a bite-sized form. Is it a simplified version of the traditional pastry, making it perfect for brunch? What is a good dessert to enjoy in the afternoon? The name says it all – they’re small, they’re croissant-like, and bursting with almonds. What is not to love?
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about these Almond Croissant bites is that they taste incredibly indulgent. Is it possible to whip up a quick meal in the kitchen?
• Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of buttery pastry, the nutty almond filling, and that sweet, crackly glaze? What are some of the best flavors that dance on your taste buds? The almond extract really elevates the taste and gives it that distinctive bakery flavor.
• Super Simple:Don’t be intimidated by the croissant part! We’re using a little shortcut (shhh! I am a beginner baker. This recipe is very easy to make. I promise, you don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to nail these.
• Budget-Friendly B You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. And even if you don’t, they are pretty inexpensive. No fancy, hard-to-find ingredients here!
• Perfectly Portable: IWhat are some great bake sales gifts for friends?
If you’re a fan of easy baking recipes like Cinnamon Rolls or scones, you will absolutely adore these. What are your favorite homemade cookies?
How do I make almond croissant biscuits?
Quick Overview
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Basically, you’re going to whip up a simple dough, create a luscious almond filling, layer them together, bake until golden brown, and then drizzle with a sweet glaze. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. We’re not making croissants from scratch, which saves a ton of time and effort. I’ve streamlined the process to make it achievable for anyone, and the results are just as impressive.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached, but either works. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: For that light and fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Keep it *really* cold – this is key for flaky layers.
• ¾ cup milk: Whole milk works best, but you can use 2% or even almond milk in a pinch (it’ll still be delicious!).
For the Filling:
• 12 cup almond paste: You can find this in the baking aisle. What’s the secret weapon for that authentic almond flavor? Makes filling smooth and spreadable. • 14 cup powdered sugar: What is the best almond extract to use for filling? I love almond flavor. • 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Helps to bind the filling together and adds richness.
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of our simple, yet delicious glaze. • 12 teaspoon almond extract: Add gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Why can’t I have too much almond flavor?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. I always give it a little extra dusting of flour, just to be safe – nobody wants stuck croissants!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do I evenly distribute baking powder?
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly so the butter stays cold. Little bits of butter are what create those flaky layers, so don’t overmix!
Step 4: Add Milk
Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. How do I make a slightly shaggy dough? Overmixing will develop the gluten and make the bites tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the almond paste, softened butter, powdered sugar, almond extract, and egg. Mix until smooth and creamy. If your almond paste is a little stiff, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up.
Step 6: Assemble
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an 8-inch rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick slices. Place the slices cut-side up in the prepared Baking Pan.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary, and you want them to be nicely browned but not burnt. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the **almond croissant bites** cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract for the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bites. I like to wait until they’re almost completely cool before glazing, otherwise the glaze tends to melt right off.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice and serve. These are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve with coffee or tea for the ultimate treat.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best almond croissant bites?
For Breakfast: Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte. A little fruit salad on the side adds a refreshing touch. I love serving them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
For Brunch:How do you arrange your brunch spread on a platter? Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider for a festive touch.
As Dessert:What are some good side dishes after a light dinner? Serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or hot chocolate. What are some of the best comfort food?
My family tradition is to make these every year for Christmas brunch. They’re always a hit, and the smell of almond extract and buttery pastry fills the house with holiday cheer.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Almond Croissant Bites
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to ensure these **almond croissant bites** turn out. Is it possible to be perfect every
Butter Prep:Make sure your butter is cold. This is crucial for creating flaky layers. I like to pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting it into the flour.
Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten and make the bites tough. Mix until just combined.
Almond Paste Tip: If your almond paste is a little stiff, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up. This will make it easier to mix into the filling.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract instead. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You can also substitute the milk with almond milk for a stronger almond flavor.
baking tips: Keep an eye on the bites while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be golden brown but not burnt. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use a tablespoon of melted butter in the glaze. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
I learned the hard way that overbaking these can result in dry bites. Now, I always set a timer and check them a few minutes before the suggested baking time. It’s better to underbake them slightly than to overbake them!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These **almond croissant bites** are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later enjoyment.
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re covered to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze may become a little sticky, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bites, it’s best to glaze them after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.
I always make a double batch and freeze half for later. They’re perfect for those unexpected guests or when you just need a little something sweet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These **almond croissant bites** are truly a little slice of heaven. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit. And the best part? They’re so much easier to make than traditional croissants! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my cinnamon roll recipe or my Chocolate Chip Scones. Both are equally delicious and easy to make.
Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too!
Almond Croissant Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Refrigerated croissants 8 count
- 0.5 cup Sliced almonds
- 0.25 cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Melted butter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each croissant into 4 or 6 pieces. Arrange on a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, combine sliced almonds, sugar and melted butter.
- Sprinkle almond mixture evenly over the croissant pieces.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
