Description
These Almond Croissant Bites are delightful mini pastries made with flaky puff pastry filled with a rich, sweet almond cream. Perfectly sized as bite-sized treats, they combine the buttery flakiness of croissants with a nutty almond filling, topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant snack.
Ingredients
Almond Filling
- 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
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (half of a 17.3 oz package, thawed)
- ¼ cup (28g) sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the croissant bites evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Prepare Almond Filling: Using a hand mixer, combine the almond flour, light brown sugar, softened salted butter, all-purpose flour, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients just until combined to form a smooth, creamy almond filling without overmixing which can affect texture. Set aside.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to an 11×11 inch square. Then, cut the pastry into twenty-four 2×2 inch squares for individual croissant bites. This sizing ensures each bite is perfectly portioned.
- Shape Pastry Cups: Gently press each puff pastry square into the cavities of a 24-count mini muffin pan, forming a small cup. This will hold the almond filling securely during baking.
- Fill Pastry Cups: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the almond filling into each pastry cup. Using a small cookie scoop can help portion the filling evenly. Then, press a few sliced almonds on top of each filling to add texture and a nutty accent.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pastry cups turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. Carefully remove each almond croissant bite from the muffin pan. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and an attractive finish.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Do not overmix the almond filling to maintain a tender texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for consistent filling portions and uniform baking.
- Allow baked bites to cool slightly in the pan before removing to maintain their shape.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
