Name: Almond Croissant Bites Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
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; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure almond extract; Pinch of salt; 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (half of a 17.3oz package, thawed); Additional all purpose flour, for rolling; ¼ cup (28g) sliced almonds; Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you adore the flaky, buttery charm of a traditional almond croissant but crave a fun, bite-sized version, then you absolutely must try these Almond Croissant Bites. They bring together the irresistible flakiness of puff pastry, the rich sweetness of almond filling, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds that adds just the right crunch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, Almond Croissant Bites are the type of treat that immediately feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Almond Croissant Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Almond Croissant Bites lies in using straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the flaky puff pastry shell to the creamy almond filling, every component is essential to elevating this delicious little pastry.

Puff pastry sheet: Using store-bought puff pastry saves time while providing the crisp, flaky layers that make these bites irresistible.
Blanched almond flour: This gives the filling its rich, nutty almond flavor and smooth texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moistness to the filling with its subtle caramel notes.
Salted butter: Softened butter enriches the filling, creating a luscious, creamy consistency that bakes to perfection.
All-purpose flour: Just a bit helps bind the filling together without making it dense.
Large egg: Acts as a natural binder and helps create a tender filling.
Pure almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor, taking these bites from good to absolutely dreamy.
Sliced almonds: For that perfect crunch and beautiful presentation on top.
Powdered sugar: A dusting at the end adds a subtle sweetness and makes these bites look extra special.

How to Make Almond Croissant Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Almond Filling

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot, ensuring your bites will bake evenly and achieve that irresistible golden brown color. Then, using a hand mixer, combine the almond flour, brown sugar, softened butter, all-purpose flour, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything just until it’s combined; overmixing can make the filling tough, so keep it gentle to maintain a smooth, rich texture.

Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry Cups

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into an approximately 11 by 11-inch square. Cut this into twenty-four 2×2 inch squares — precise sizing ensures each bite is perfectly portioned. Press each square gently but firmly into the wells of a 24-count mini muffin pan to create little pastry cups ready to hold the luscious almond filling.

Step 3: Fill and Top the Cups

Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, fill each pastry cup with about one tablespoon of the almond filling. Don’t be shy with the filling — it’s the star of the show! Once filled, press a few sliced almonds on top of each cup; these add the signature crunch and look spectacular once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your tray in the hot oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye on them as ovens can vary. You’re aiming for a golden brown and flaky puff pastry shell with a firm but tender almond filling. Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack to cool slightly before carefully removing each bite. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and sweetness.

How to Serve Almond Croissant Bites

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, a simple dusting of powdered sugar works wonders, giving each bite a delicate sweetness and an inviting appearance. If you want to dress it up further, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a light spread of apricot jam alongside for dipping—both complement the almond flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Almond Croissant Bites pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for your morning routine or afternoon snack. Fresh berries or a small bowl of Greek yogurt on the side create a balanced plate, adding fruitiness and creaminess that enhance the overall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

These bite-sized wonders are naturally charming, but you can make them even more special by serving them on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper or a rustic wooden board. For brunch parties, arrange them around small bowls of almond butter or fruit preserves to invite your guests to mix and match flavors. They also make excellent edible gifts when tucked into decorative boxes or tins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and who might not?), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The puff pastry will stay flaky and the almond filling moist, giving you a tasty treat even the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Almond Croissant Bites before baking by arranging the filled pastry cups on a baking sheet and freezing them solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that wonderful fresh-baked warmth and crispness, reheat your Almond Croissant Bites in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy. A quick toast in the oven revives the flakiness and perfectly warms the almond filling.

FAQs

Can I make Almond Croissant Bites without almond flour?

While almond flour is key to that authentic almond flavor and texture, you could substitute with finely ground hazelnuts or cashews for a similar nutty effect, but the taste and texture will differ slightly from the traditional version.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can try replacing the butter with a plant-based margarine, but keep in mind that puff pastry usually contains butter, so look for a dairy-free puff pastry if you want the entire recipe to be dairy-free.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely! If you want to take this recipe up a notch and have the time, homemade puff pastry will make your Almond Croissant Bites extra flaky and buttery. Just be sure to keep the dough well-chilled and follow the same cutting and baking steps.

How do I avoid the almond filling from leaking out?

Pressing the pastry squares firmly into the muffin tin forms a good seal around the edges, which helps keep the filling in place while baking. Also, don’t overfill the cups to prevent overflow.

Can I make Almond Croissant Bites vegan?

To make a vegan version, you’ll need vegan puff pastry and to substitute the egg in the filling with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, and use vegan butter. The texture and taste will vary but can still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Almond Croissant Bites, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these little flaky treasures in your life. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they transform everyday moments into something truly special. So grab that puff pastry, whip up the almond filling, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a snack that’s packed with love and buttery almond goodness.

Almond Croissant Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 26 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 almond croissant bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These bite-sized almond croissant bites are a flaky, buttery, and sweet treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with store-bought puff pastry and a rich almond filling, they come together quickly and are sure to impress with their delicate texture and nutty flavor.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the recipe.
Prepare Almond Filling: Using a hand mixer, combine the almond flour, brown sugar, softened butter, all purpose flour, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix just until everything is incorporated to maintain a tender texture. Avoid overmixing.
Roll Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into an 11×11 inch square. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 24 squares, each about 2×2 inches.
Form Pastry Cups: Gently press each puff pastry square into the cavities of a 24-count mini muffin pan, molding the dough to create small cups for the filling.
Fill Cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of almond filling into each pastry cup. A small cookie scoop works well to portion evenly. Press a few sliced almonds onto the top of each filled cup for added texture and decoration.
Bake: Bake the filled pastry cups for 10-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the muffin pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. Carefully pop the almond croissant bites out of the pan and dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
Do not overmix the almond filling to keep it light and soft.
You can prepare the almond filling a day in advance and store it refrigerated.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry and flour substitutes.
These almond croissant bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired