Name: Pear and Chocolate Mini Galettes des Rois Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry (store-bought or homemade); 2/3 cup (75g) almond flour; 1/3 cup (50g) confectioners sugar; 1/2 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon water; 2 drops almond extract (optional); 1 pear, peeled, cored, and minced; 8 pieces dark chocolate; 2 egg yolks, beaten (for brushing); 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for brushing)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 67 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of a dessert that is both elegant and delightfully comforting, then you’re going to adore this Pear and Chocolate Mini Galettes des Rois Recipe. These petite galettes capture the festive charm of the traditional French Epiphany treat, but with a luscious twist of juicy pears and rich dark chocolate tucked inside flaky, buttery puff pastry. Each bite offers a heavenly combination of almond paste sweetness, fresh fruit brightness, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Once you make these, they’ll become your go-to celebration dessert or an impressive yet simple sweet to share with friends and family anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three round, golden brown pastries are placed on a white marbled surface, each with a shiny, slightly crisp outer layer and a decorative pattern on top resembling petals or lines radiating from the center, sprinkled lightly with white sugar. The pastries have multiple visible flaky layers around their sides showing the puff pastry texture. Around them are whole almonds, pieces of dark chocolate, and a few light-colored nuts scattered casually. In the upper left corner, there is a white cup filled with a dark liquid, and in the upper right background, a white plate holds more pastries with a silver spoon resting on the plate. A knife with a light brown handle is placed near the right edge. The overall scene is bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this gorgeous dessert. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, from the crisp puff pastry to the soft, nutty almond paste and the fresh pear for acidity. Here’s everything you need to make your galettes sing:

2 puff pastry sheets or homemade puff pastry: The golden, flaky crust that encases all the goodness for the perfect delicate crunch.
2/3 cup (75g) almond flour: Provides a rich, nutty foundation for the almond paste filling.
1/3 cup (50g) confectioners sugar: Adds a fine sweetness and silkiness to the filling.
1/2 Tablespoon honey: Brings subtle floral notes and helps hold the filling together.
1 Tablespoon water: Helps achieve the paste consistency for easy shaping.
2 drops almond extract (optional): Enhances the almond flavor for that traditional galette taste.
1 pear, peeled, cored, and minced: Adds juicy fruit brightness and a lovely texture contrast.
8 pieces of dark chocolate: For a touch of bittersweet indulgence melting inside each galette.
2 yolks, for brushing: Ensures a beautiful shiny golden finish on the pastry.
2 Tablespoons maple syrup, for brushing: Adds an extra layer of sweetness and gorgeous caramelization.

How to Make Pear and Chocolate Mini Galettes des Rois Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Almond Paste Filling

Start by mixing the almond flour, confectioners sugar, honey, water, and optional almond extract in a bowl until it forms a smooth paste. This paste is the heart of your galettes, packing in rich nutty flavor and a delicate sweetness. Shape it into a log, wrap it tight, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle later.

Step 2: Cut Out Puff Pastry Circles

Unfold your puff pastry sheets and use a cookie cutter or tartlet mold to cut out even circles. This is where fun meets precision — making sure you have pairs to sandwich around the filling ensures each mini galette holds together perfectly as it bakes. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets, ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add the Filling and Assemble

Take half of your puff pastry circles and mound a spoonful of the chilled almond paste in the center, leaving a little border all around. Sprinkle the minced pear evenly on top, then nestle a piece of dark chocolate within each one for that rich surprise. Now brush the edges with beaten yolks, then carefully cover each filled circle with a second pastry circle. Press down edges with a fork to seal and give a gentle brush of yolk on top. Make pretty patterns with a knife and prick tiny holes with a toothpick to let steam escape as the galettes bake.

Step 4: Chill and Bake to Perfection

Before baking, pop the assembled galettes into the fridge for about 30 minutes to help the pastry relax and hold its shape. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the galettes again with yolk and a drizzle of maple syrup, which will give them a stunning golden shine and a sweet glaze. Bake for 20 minutes or until wonderfully puffed and golden brown.

How to Serve Pear and Chocolate Mini Galettes des Rois Recipe

The image shows two golden brown, round pastries with a shiny, flaky crust. One pastry is whole, and the other is cut in half, revealing layers of light, soft dough on the outside and a dark chocolate filling in the center. The pastries are placed on a white marbled surface, with a small piece of dark chocolate and some whole and sliced almonds nearby. In the background, there is a white plate holding the other whole pastry, with a silver knife resting on the plate. The texture of the crust appears crispy and slightly puffed, with a detailed pattern on top. The lighting highlights the glossy finish of the pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These mini galettes are stunning on their own but you can elevate the presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside them will also amp up the indulgence factor and bring some silky richness to the plate.

Side Dishes

Since these galettes are treats that deliver on sweetness and richness, light sides work best. A simple fresh fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet can help refresh the palate and balance the nutty almond and chocolate flavors. For a festive touch, a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a warm mug of spiced tea pair beautifully to complete the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Pear and Chocolate Mini Galettes des Rois Recipe on rustic wooden boards for a cozy vibe or on elegant cake stands to impress at holiday gatherings. To play with the tradition, hide a tiny trinket or bean inside one galette and offer it as a fun “king or queen for a day” surprise for your guests. It’s a charming way to bring people together over food and laughter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will still be delicious, though best enjoyed while still slightly warm or at room temperature to preserve that lovely flaky texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked mini galettes after assembling them. Place them on a tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then proceed straight to the oven. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert option for busy days.

Reheating

To bring back their fresh-baked glory, reheat galettes in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will crisp the pastry again without drying out the filling, so each bite tastes as heavenly as when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of pear in the Pear and Chocolate Mini Galettes des Rois Recipe?

Absolutely! While pear offers a lovely balance of sweetness and texture, apples, apricots, or even berries can be fantastic alternatives. Just choose fruits that won’t release too much juice to keep the pastry crisp.

Is almond extract necessary for the filling?

It’s optional but highly recommended. Almond extract intensifies the nutty flavor in the almond paste, bringing you closer to an authentic galette des rois experience. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract can provide a nice, subtle flavor too.

How do I ensure my puff pastry stays crisp?

Chilling the assembled galettes before baking is key. It helps the layers of the pastry relax and prevents shrinking. Also, avoid stacking warm galettes after baking, as trapped steam can soften the crust.

Can I make the almond paste from scratch?

Definitely! Making almond paste is as simple as grinding blanched almonds with sugar and a little water or egg white. It gives you full control over sweetness and texture but the store-bought almond flour version is a quick and reliable shortcut.

What’s the purpose of the egg yolk brushing?

Brushing with egg yolk before baking creates that irresistible golden-brown, shiny crust that looks professional and tastes amazing. It also helps seal the edges so the filling stays inside perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress with a dessert that tastes like a little slice of French tradition with a fresh twist, this Pear and Chocolate Mini Galettes des Rois Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy enough to make at home, yet special enough to bring joy to any occasion. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this deliciously flaky, nutty, and chocolaty delight. Trust me, these sweet little galettes will steal the show every time!