If you have a soft spot for both croissants and cookies, the Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe is going to absolutely steal your heart. These cookies capture the rich, buttery, and nutty essence of almond croissants in a perfectly bite-sized treat that’s tender on the inside with a slight crunch of sliced almonds on the outside. Imagine the warm, cozy flavors of a French bakery, but in cookie form—easy to share, utterly addictive, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your afternoon cravings. Whether it’s for a gathering or a personal indulgence, this recipe will quickly become a beloved kitchen staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet absolutely essential; each one brings a distinct flavor, texture, or aroma that builds layers in the Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe. From the rich almond flour to the soft butter, every component plays a starring role.
- Salted Butter (3 Tablespoons, softened): Adds moisture and a subtle salty balance that deepens flavor.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb in the almond filling.
- Egg Yolk (1 large): Binds the filling ingredients and adds richness.
- Almond Extract (1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons): Intensifies the almond aroma for that classic croissant vibe.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Almond Flour (1 1/4 cups, blanched): Gives nutty texture and keeps the filling moist yet structured.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): The cookie dough’s hero that ensures buttery softness and flavor.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- Egg (1 large): Provides rise and structure to the dough.
- Egg Yolk (1 large): Adds extra richness for a tender dough.
- Almond Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances almond notes throughout the dough.
- Flour (3 cups): The base structure for the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with leavening for a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Sliced Almonds (1/2 to 3/4 cup): Adds crunch and that unmistakable almond croissant topping look.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting and a delicate sweet finish.
How to Make Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Filling
First, mix together the almond flour, sugar, softened butter, egg yolk, and almond extract until silky smooth. This filling is where the magic begins—the almond flour keeps it nutty and moist while the butter adds richness. Once combined, scoop this mixture into 16 portions and set them on parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for a half hour or in the freezer for 20 minutes to help the filling firm up. This step makes handling so much easier when it’s time to encase it in dough.
Step 2: Make the Almond Cookie Dough
Next, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and regular sugar until your bowl is filled with fluffy, light goodness—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the whole egg, additional egg yolk, and almond extract until everything is smooth and cohesive. Gradually blend in the flour, baking soda, and salt, until a soft dough forms that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Now, roll the cookie dough into 16 equal balls, then flatten each one gently into discs. Place a chilled portion of the almond filling in the center of each disc. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing it like a little package so the filling stays hidden inside. Roll each filled dough ball gently to smooth out seams. Top each with sliced almonds; press them down slightly or flatten the whole ball a touch with your palm if you prefer a less rounded shape.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Arrange the cookies 2 inches apart on your baking sheets and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the smell of toasted almonds fills your kitchen. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar to add that charming bakery look and an extra hint of sweetness.
How to Serve Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to give these cookies that perfect finishing touch, mimicking the delicate snow-like topping of fresh croissants. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few extra slivered almonds can make the presentation feel extra special without overpowering the natural almond flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies are divine on their own but pairing them with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy almond milk latte turns snack time into a mini celebration. A small bowl of fresh berries or a side of lightly whipped cream also complements the cookies wonderfully, balancing their sweetness with a hint of fresh acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful gift or elegant dessert platter, arrange the Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bundles of toasted almonds and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme nearby for contrast and aroma. Serve alongside mini jars of homemade almond butter or preserves for an interactive treat that guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store the Almond Croissant Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out while preserving their tender, buttery texture and almond crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls (sealed and arranged on a tray) for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain freshness—it’s a great way to enjoy bakery-quality treats anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop cooled cookies into a preheated 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This gently warms them without drying them out. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can make them delightfully soft and melty inside.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour in this Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe?
While regular flour can be used, almond flour is key to the authentic moist, nutty texture and flavor that make these cookies echo the almond croissant. Using regular flour will change the texture and reduce the almond flavor dramatically.
Is it necessary to chill the almond filling?
Yes! Chilling the almond filling firms it up, making it much easier to handle and prevents it from oozing out during baking. It also helps maintain the shape and creates that beautiful filling pocket inside each cookie.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the dough and ensure your baking ingredients are gluten-free certified, then this recipe can be adapted. However, the texture might vary slightly from the traditional version.
How long will these cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Almond Croissant Cookies stay fresh for up to four days. Beyond that, they may dry out, so enjoying them sooner is best.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract is really the flavor star here, but if you can’t find it, you could try substituting with a small amount of vanilla extract and a handful of finely chopped toasted almonds mixed into your filling for some almond flavor, though it won’t be quite the same.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in cookie form—warm, comforting, and delightfully almond-y. Easy enough for daily baking, yet special enough to impress company, it offers that perfect balance of buttery dough and luscious almond filling. Give it a try, and watch these cookies become a fast favorite both in your kitchen and on your taste buds!
Print
Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Croissant Cookies are buttery, flaky cookies filled with a smooth almond paste, topped with sliced almonds, and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for almond lovers, they combine the richness of almond flour with a tender cookie dough, creating a delightful treat reminiscent of classic almond croissants but in cookie form.
Ingredients
Almond Filling:
- 3 Tablespoons Salted Butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg Yolk (egg yolk only)
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Almond Extract
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/4 cups Almond Flour (blanched)
Almond Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 3 cups Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Sliced Almonds
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Almond Filling: In a bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, softened butter, egg yolk, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and well combined, creating a firm almond paste.
- Chill Almond Filling: Scoop the almond filling into 16 equal portions and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Make Almond Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt to form a soft dough. Make sure the dough is well combined but avoid overmixing.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Balls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 16 equal parts, rolling each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc.
- Encapsulate Filling: Place one chilled almond filling portion in the center of each dough disc. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching and sealing the edges completely to encase the filling. Then, gently roll the sealed dough into a smooth ball.
- Add Almond Topping: Press sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie dough ball. To achieve a slightly flatter cookie, gently press down on the dough ball with the palm of your hand.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-13 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For best results, use blanched almond flour to keep the filling smooth and free of skin pieces.
- Chilling the almond filling is crucial to prevent it from melting out during baking.
- If you prefer, you can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make sure not to overbake; the cookies should be soft and tender with lightly golden edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
