Name: Almond Croissant Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 cup (96g) blanched almond flour; ½ cup (104g) light brown sugar (packed); ½ cup (113g) salted butter (softened); 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour (plus additional for rolling the puff pastry); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure almond extract; Pinch of salt; 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (half of a 17.3 oz package, thawed); ¼ cup (28g) sliced almonds; Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 66 reviews

If you are searching for a delightful treat that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare, the Almond Croissant Bites Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine flaky, buttery puff pastry cups filled with a rich, nutty almond filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. These bites are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special snack, offering that perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch from toasted almonds on top. Once you try this Almond Croissant Bites Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite to share with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy, light brown mixture that has a thick and smooth texture, swirled evenly around the inside of the bowl. The surface of the mixture has various ridges and soft peaks, showing a fluffy and well-mixed consistency. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and no other items or hands are visible in the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Almond Croissant Bites Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor. From the flaky puff pastry to the aromatic almond extract, every component works harmoniously to create a bite-sized indulgence you’ll adore.

Store-bought puff pastry: Using ready-made puff pastry saves time while providing that buttery, flaky base that’s key to the recipe.
Blanched almond flour: Gives the filling its signature nutty flavor and creamy texture without any graininess.
Light brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness with subtle molasses undertones that deepen the almond flavor.
Salted butter: Softened butter enriches the almond filling, making it smooth and luscious.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and ensures it holds shape when baked.
Large egg: Acts as a natural binder and gives the filling a tender, cohesive texture.
Pure almond extract: Intensifies the almond aroma, giving each bite a delightful, fragrant punch.
Sliced almonds: Topping the bites, these add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
Powdered sugar: Dusting these bites with a light sweetness rounds out the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Almond Croissant Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure a hot environment that will help the puff pastry rise beautifully and develop that golden-brown color. While the oven is warming up, make the almond filling by combining almond flour, light brown sugar, softened butter, all-purpose flour, one large egg, pure almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer to blend everything just until combined—overmixing might make the filling dense, and we want it light and creamy.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking, then roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into an even 11 by 11-inch square. This size allows you to cut twenty-four perfect 2×2 inch squares. These squares will form the delicate cups that hold the luscious almond filling. Carefully press each square into the cups of a 24-count mini muffin pan, making sure the pastry fits snugly without tearing.

Step 3: Fill and Top Your Croissant Bites

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill each puff pastry cup with approximately one tablespoon of almond filling. Fill them generously but avoid overstuffing, which could cause the filling to leak out during baking. Next, press a few sliced almonds gently onto the surface of each filled cup—this step adds a delightful texture contrast and a lovely toasted flavor once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your filled muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is gloriously golden brown and the filling is set. The kitchen will start smelling heavenly as the almond aroma intensifies. After baking, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool slightly before removing the croissant bites. This pause helps them firm up just enough, so they hold their shape beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Once cooled, dust the Almond Croissant Bites Recipe generously with powdered sugar. This final touch adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy finish that makes these treats even more irresistible.

How to Serve Almond Croissant Bites Recipe

The image shows small pastries with a flaky, light golden crust as the base layer, which appears thin and crisp with visible air pockets. The next layer is a dense, crumbly filling in a pale yellow color that sits inside the crust. On top, there are whole, dark brown almonds placed in the center of each pastry, surrounded by a crumbly, light tan topping. A light dusting of white powdered sugar is sprinkled over the entire pastry, adding a soft texture. The pastries are arranged closely on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra layer of elegance, consider garnishing your Almond Croissant Bites with a drizzle of honey or a light brush of apricot glaze before baking to give them a shiny finish. Alternatively, a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios can add a pop of color and complementary flavor, enhancing the nutty profile in a delightful way.

Side Dishes

These almond croissant bites pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal addition to brunch spreads or afternoon snack tables. Freshly sliced fruit such as berries or oranges provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness with bright, juicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Almond Croissant Bites on a tiered dessert stand for a charming presentation at gatherings. You can also serve them alongside mini jars of almond butter or fruit preserves, offering guests a chance to customize each bite. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes for lovely, edible favors that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Almond Croissant Bites Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling fresh, perfect for snacking the next morning.

Freezing

To store for longer, freeze the croissant bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing flavor or texture, making them an easy treat to have on hand whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy and detract from the delightful texture that makes these bites so special.

FAQs

Can I use almond butter instead of almond flour in this Almond Croissant Bites Recipe?

Almond butter has a very different texture and moisture content compared to almond flour, so it wouldn’t hold the filling together properly. Almond flour is essential here to achieve the right consistency and nutty flavor for the filling.

Is it necessary to use salted butter, or can I use unsalted?

Salted butter adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness, but you can definitely use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the filling mixture to maintain the flavor balance.

Can I make these Almond Croissant Bites vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly but it’s still delicious!

Why do the puff pastry cups sometimes shrink during baking?

If the puff pastry warms too much before baking or is stretched too thin while pressing into the muffin pan, it might shrink. Chilling the filled pan briefly before baking and handling the pastry gently can help maintain their shape.

Can I add other nuts besides almonds in the filling?

While this Almond Croissant Bites Recipe shines with almonds, you can experiment with pecans or hazelnuts for variations. Just make sure to grind them finely to keep the filling smooth and cohesive.

Final Thoughts

Making this Almond Croissant Bites Recipe is truly a joy, from blending the fragrant almond filling to biting into that warm, flaky puff pastry goodness. Whether you serve them for a cozy breakfast, an elegant brunch, or a sweet treat anytime, these bites are destined to bring smiles and a touch of homemade magic to your table. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience how simple ingredients come together to create something spectacular!

Almond Croissant Bites Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need