Almond Croissant Cookies have everything that makes an almond croissant so good—rich almond flavor, buttery edges, and a soft frangipane-like center—but in an easy cookie you can pick up with your hands. Sliced almonds on top toast as the cookies bake, giving them a delicate crunch against the tender middle.
They’re especially nice when you want something a little different from chocolate chip or sugar cookies. The almond flavor makes them feel bakery-inspired without requiring laminated croissant dough or an afternoon of folding butter.
These cookies give you that buttery almond-croissant flavor without actually making croissants. Almond flour and almond extract create a rich, nutty center, while sliced almonds add texture on top.
The dough is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated shaping. Scoop it into rounds, add the almonds, and bake.
They also look good without much decorating. The naturally toasted almonds give the tops plenty of texture, so there’s no need for frosting or an elaborate finish.
I like these with coffee, which probably isn’t surprising given the croissant inspiration. They also fit beautifully on a brunch table, holiday cookie tray, or alongside a few other small pastries.
The cookies should stay soft in the middle. Let the edges tell you when they’re ready rather than waiting for the entire surface to become deeply golden.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need a few familiar baking ingredients plus plenty of almond flavor:
- All-purpose flour
- Almond flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Almond extract
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar
How To Make Almond Croissant Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Keep the sliced almonds nearby for topping.
Step 2: Whisk the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Break apart any small lumps in the almond flour.
Step 3: Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and slightly fluffy. Scrape down the bowl so everything mixes evenly.
Step 4: Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and well combined. Almond extract is strong, so there’s no need to add more than the recipe calls for.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix only until a soft dough forms and no dry streaks remain.
Step 6: Scoop the dough into rounded portions and arrange them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each cookie slightly, then press a few sliced almonds over the surface.
Step 7: Bake for about 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. The cookies will continue setting on the hot baking sheet.
Step 8: Cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Almond Croissant Cookie Variations
Chocolate Almond Cookies
Drizzle the cooled cookies lightly with melted dark chocolate for a chocolate-almond finish.
Extra-Almond Cookies
Add a few more sliced almonds to the tops for additional toasted crunch.
Raspberry Almond Cookies
Make a small indentation in each portion of dough and add a tiny amount of raspberry preserves before baking.
Lemon Almond Cookies
Add finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a brighter flavor against the rich almonds.
Pistachio Almond Cookies
Replace some of the sliced almonds on top with finely chopped pistachios for a slightly different nutty finish.
Storing Almond Croissant Cookies
Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3–4 days. Place parchment between layers if you’re stacking them.
Do These Cookies Taste Like Almond Croissants?
They’re inspired by the buttery almond filling and toasted almonds in an almond croissant rather than being an actual croissant in cookie form. The almond flour and extract give them that familiar frangipane-like flavor.
Can I Use Almond Meal?
Finely ground almond flour gives you a smoother, softer cookie. Almond meal can work, but its coarser texture and skins will make the cookies more rustic.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
The butter may have been too warm. If the dough feels particularly soft, refrigerate the shaped cookies for about 20–30 minutes before baking.
Can I Make The Dough Ahead?
Yes. Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Let it soften briefly if it becomes too firm to scoop.
How Do I Know When They’re Done?
Look at the edges. They should be set and lightly golden while the centers remain pale and slightly soft.
Can I Freeze Almond Croissant Cookies?
Yes. Both the baked cookies and portioned unbaked dough freeze well when properly wrapped.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw at room temperature, then add powdered sugar afterward if you’re using it.
What To Serve With Almond Croissant Cookies
- Hot coffee: Coffee is probably the most natural pairing and plays right into that almond-croissant bakery feel.
- Black tea: A simple black tea balances the buttery, nutty sweetness nicely.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add something fresh and slightly tart alongside the cookies.
- Fresh fruit: Orange slices, pears, or peaches work well when these are part of a brunch spread.
- Brunch pastries: Serve smaller cookies alongside scones, muffins, or croissants for a bakery-style brunch platter.
- Holiday cookies: Shortbread, chocolate cookies, or simple sugar cookies give you a good mix of flavors on a Christmas cookie tray.
Don’t wait for the centers to look completely baked before taking the cookies out. Slightly soft centers will settle into a tender, almost frangipane-like texture as they cool.
And keep the powdered sugar light if you use it. The toasted almonds already make these cookies look lovely without needing much decoration.
Almond Croissant Cookies
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almond flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Mix in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop rounded portions onto the prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly.
- Press sliced almonds gently onto the tops.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar once completely cool, if desired.
Leave a Reply