Almond Croissant Bites

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with a rich almond filling, then these Almond Croissant Bites are just what you need! They are the perfect blend of buttery goodness and sweet almond flavor, making them a favorite in our household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, these little bites will surely bring smiles and joy to your table.

What makes these Almond Croissant Bites so special is how easy they are to whip up. With store-bought puff pastry and a simple almond filling, you’ll have fresh baked goods in no time. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you crave something sweet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for any occasion!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet almond flavor and flaky texture. These bites are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare these Almond Croissant Bites in advance and freeze them for later. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
• Versatile Treats: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as dessert after dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delicious Almond Croissant Bites! You might already have many of these items in your kitchen.

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet store bought puff pastry (half of a 17.3oz package, thawed)

For the 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
• ¼ cup (28g) sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the filling for a refreshing twist.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Mix in some mini chocolate chips with the almond filling for an extra decadent treat.
• Nutty Goodness: Swap out the almond flour for hazelnut flour for a unique flavor profile.
• Fruity Surprise: Add chopped dried cherries or cranberries into the filling for a fruity burst.

How to Make Almond Croissant Bites

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get your oven preheating to 400°F. This step ensures that your Almond Croissant Bites will bake evenly and become beautifully golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Almond Filling

In a mixing bowl, grab your hand mixer and combine the blanched almond flour, brown sugar, softened butter, all-purpose flour, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix! This filling is what makes your croissant bites so deliciously rich.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry into an 11×11 square. Then cut it into twenty-four 2×2 inch squares. Gently press each square into the cavity of your mini muffin pan. This step creates little cups that will hold all that heavenly filling.

Step 4: Fill Each Pastry Cup

Now it’s time to fill each pastry cup! Use about 1 tablespoon of your prepared filling for each one—using a small cookie scoop works wonders here. To add an extra touch, press a few sliced almonds onto the top of each filled pastry.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your muffin pan in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes until the pastries are golden brown. Once they’re done baking, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before gently removing them from the pan. Don’t forget to dust with powdered sugar before serving—this final touch makes them look as delightful as they taste!

Pro Tips for Making Almond Croissant Bites

Creating these delightful almond croissant bites can be a breeze with a few helpful tips in your back pocket!

• Use cold ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Cold butter helps maintain the flaky texture of the pastry as it bakes.

• Don’t overfill: Filling each pastry cup with just 1 tablespoon of almond filling ensures that they bake evenly and don’t overflow, allowing for that perfectly golden top.

• Chill the pastry: If you find the puff pastry becoming too warm while you work, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. This will help keep those layers intact and create an even flakier bite.

• Experiment with fillings: While the almond filling is delicious, feel free to play around by adding chocolate chips or a hint of cinnamon to the mix for a unique twist!

• Make-ahead option: Prepare your almond croissant bites ahead of time and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen – no need to thaw!

How to Serve Almond Croissant Bites

These almond croissant bites are not just tasty but also versatile when it comes to serving. They make for an impressive breakfast treat or a delightful dessert at any gathering!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, making these bites look as good as they taste.
• Fresh fruits: Serve alongside mixed berries or sliced strawberries for a refreshing contrast that brightens up the plate.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the almond croissant bites.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements these pastries beautifully.

• Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea pairs wonderfully, enhancing the experience with soothing flavors that won’t overpower the almond bites.

• Coffee or espresso: For coffee lovers, serving these treats alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee can create a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.

Enjoy creating and sharing these scrumptious Almond Croissant Bites! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy morning at home, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Almond Croissant Bites are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them fresh from the oven or save them for later. Here’s how to keep them delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover almond croissant bites in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• Allow the almond croissant bites to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen bites to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the almond croissant bites on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be cautious not to overdo it as they may become chewy.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Almond Croissant Bites:

Can I use different fillings for my Almond Croissant Bites?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or even cream cheese. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the texture.

How long do Almond Croissant Bites stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, these tasty bites will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. They also freeze well, making them great for meal prep!

Can I make Almond Croissant Bites without almond flour?

Yes! If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute it with finely ground walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

What is the best way to serve Almond Croissant Bites?

These delightful treats are wonderful served warm as a breakfast option or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea. Dusting with powdered sugar adds an elegant touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Almond Croissant Bites as much as I do! They’re not just easy to prepare but also bring warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these flaky delights are sure to impress. Happy baking!