Chocolate Almond Croissants: A Decadent Delight

Chocolate Almond Croissants bring together the rich flavors of smooth chocolate and nutty almond filling wrapped in buttery, flaky croissant layers. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent breakfast, a special treat, or a dessert for a gathering, these croissants are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With the sweet addition of almond filling and chocolate pieces, this twist on the classic French pastry is both luxurious and satisfying. A drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sliced almonds complete this perfect, gourmet pastry.

If you’re a fan of baked goods, don’t miss out on Classic Croissants and Almond Croissant Recipe from King Arthur Baking.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Chocolate Almond Croissants Recipe – Buttery, Flaky Pastry with Chocolate and Almonds

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings (6 croissants) 1x

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Description

These Chocolate Almond Croissants are a decadent twist on the classic French pastry. Filled with a rich almond cream filling and chunks of chocolate, they are topped with sliced almonds and a drizzle of melted chocolate for an indulgent breakfast or dessert. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Simple Syrup

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Almond Filling

• 6 croissants (preferably day-old)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cups almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 ounces chocolate bar (cut into pieces)

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 4 ounces chocolate (melted, for drizzling on croissants)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Simple Syrup:
• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the syrup comes to a simmer.
• Once the syrup is clear, remove from heat and stir in the almond extract (if using). Set aside to cool.
• Prepare the Almond Filling:
• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the almond flour, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
• Assemble the Croissants:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Slice each croissant in half lengthwise (horizontally) without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket.
• Brush the inside of each croissant with the prepared simple syrup to add moisture and sweetness.
• Spread a generous amount of almond filling inside each croissant.
• Place chocolate pieces inside each croissant along with the almond filling.
• Bake the Croissants:
• Arrange the filled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each croissant for added texture and flavor.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the filling is set.
• Drizzle with Chocolate:
• Once the croissants are out of the oven and cooled slightly, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each croissant for a rich, glossy finish.
• Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Serve the chocolate almond croissants warm, and enjoy the decadent combination of almond cream and chocolate.

Notes

• Croissants: Using day-old croissants gives the pastry more structure and prevents it from becoming soggy with the almond filling.
• Almond Extract: The almond extract in both the simple syrup and filling gives a more intense almond flavor, but it can be omitted if preferred.
• Chocolate: For the best results, use a high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for the filling and drizzle.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Pastry/Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 croissant
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Chocolate Almond Croissants

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Simple Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
   • Once dissolved, remove the syrup from heat and add the almond extract (if using). Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Almond Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the almond flour, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the bowl, and mix until well-combined. The almond filling should be thick and smooth.
3. Prepare the Croissants:
   • Slice the day-old croissants in half horizontally, creating two halves per croissant. If the croissants are too fresh and soft, let them cool for a bit before slicing.
4. Assemble the Croissants:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Brush the cut sides of each croissant with the simple syrup to enhance flavor and moisture.
   • Spread a generous layer of the almond filling over the bottom half of each croissant, followed by a few pieces of chopped chocolate from the chocolate bar.
   • Place the top half of the croissant over the filling, sandwiching it together.
5. Bake the Croissants:
   • Place the assembled croissants on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the almond filling is set.
6. Add the Toppings:
   • After the croissants have baked and slightly cooled, drizzle them with the melted chocolate and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
   • Finish by dusting the croissants lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
7. Serve:
   • Serve your freshly made Chocolate Almond Croissants warm, paired with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat.

Advanced Techniques

Perfecting the Almond Filling

The key to a creamy and rich almond filling is ensuring that the butter is soft enough to blend easily with the sugar and almond flour. If the butter is too firm, it can cause the filling to be grainy. Be sure to cream the butter well before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Adding a Decadent Chocolate Layer

For an extra indulgence, use high-quality dark chocolate or milk chocolate according to your preference. The combination of the almond filling with the smoothness of chocolate inside the croissant creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Ensuring Crispiness

While assembling, be sure to brush the croissant with simple syrup to lock in moisture but avoid sogginess. The syrup helps to enhance the flavor without making the pastry too wet. Baking the croissants until golden and slightly crisp will give them the perfect texture.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Almond Croissants are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to enjoy them later, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the flaky texture.

Freezing Croissants

If you wish to store these croissants for a longer period, you can freeze them after they have been assembled but before baking. Simply place the croissants on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer the frozen croissants to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Shelf Life

For the best quality, enjoy these croissants within 2 days. Freezing croissants will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 1 month.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free version of these Chocolate Almond Croissants, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate to ensure the recipe remains entirely free of animal products.

Gluten-Free Version

To make gluten-free Chocolate Almond Croissants, use gluten-free croissants (which can be found in some specialty stores) or use a gluten-free puff pastry dough. You will also need to make sure your almond flour and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Sugar-Free Option

For a sugar-free version, you can replace the sugar in both the simple syrup and almond filling with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Just be sure to choose a substitute that bakes well and doesn’t affect the flavor profile.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old croissants?

Yes, while day-old croissants are ideal because they hold up better during the filling and baking process, you can use fresh croissants if necessary. Just allow them to cool slightly before slicing to avoid them being too soft.

Can I make the almond filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the almond filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the croissants during assembly.

Can I add other fillings to these croissants?

Definitely! You can experiment with different fillings, such as fruit jams, Nutella, or even a combination of almond and hazelnut pastes. The possibilities are endless!

How do I know when the croissants are fully baked?

The croissants should be golden brown on the outside, and when you gently press them, they should feel firm and crispy. The almond filling should be set but still soft inside. If you’re unsure, you can also use a kitchen thermometer—the croissants should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Almond Croissants combine the richness of almond filling and the decadence of chocolate in a buttery, flaky croissant shell. While they may take a bit of time to prepare, the effort is more than worth it. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these croissants are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a warm beverage for the ultimate indulgence.