Indulge in the exquisite blend of flaky croissant dough and rich almond filling with our Almond Croissant Muffins. Perfectly crafted for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins combine the buttery goodness of croissants with the nutty sweetness of almonds, all baked conveniently in a muffin tin.
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup almond paste, crumbled
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with muffin papers for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Almond Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled almond paste, granulated sugar, and softened butter, mixing until smooth. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, blending until fully combined. Stir in the almond flour until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Cut the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares.
Assemble the Muffins: Place each puff pastry square into a muffin cup, pressing the pastry down and up the sides of the muffin tin. Spoon about a tablespoon of the almond filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling, leaving the center exposed.
Add Almonds: Top each muffin with sliced almonds to add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and the filling is set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Serving Tips:
Warm or Room Temperature: Almond Croissant Muffins are delightful both warm and at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, briefly reheat them in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.
Pairing Suggestions: These muffins pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them with a hot cup of coffee, a latte, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, they complement fresh fruit, yogurt, and a selection of cheeses.
Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance. You can also serve them on a decorative plate or platter for a more refined presentation.
Portion Control: For a sweet treat at gatherings, consider cutting each muffin in half or quarters so guests can sample more items from your spread.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store Almond Croissant Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming too dry.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing: For longer storage, these muffins freeze well. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.
Thawing and Reheating: To enjoy frozen muffins, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm muffin, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pastry dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of pastry dough if you prefer. While puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness and ease of use, you could substitute it with croissant dough or even biscuit dough. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might differ slightly.
How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
To make dairy-free Almond Croissant Muffins, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative such as margarine or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free almond paste or make your own using almonds and a sweetener. Ensure the puff pastry you use is also dairy-free, as some brands contain butter.
Can I prepare the almond filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the almond filling in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to ensure it’s smooth and easy to work with.
How can I ensure the muffins don’t get soggy?
To prevent soggy muffins, make sure not to overfill them with almond filling. Use just enough to fill the center of the puff pastry square. Additionally, ensure that the puff pastry is fully cooked and golden brown, which helps to keep the muffins crisp. If storing, avoid covering them tightly with plastic wrap immediately after baking, as this can trap moisture. Allow them to cool completely before storing.
Conclusion:
Almond Croissant Muffins offer a delectable fusion of flaky pastry and rich almond filling, perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and delightful to serve, they’re a versatile treat that’s sure to impress. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these muffins provide a delicious touch to your breakfast or brunch.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Almond Croissant Muffins
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Croissant Muffins blend the buttery, flaky texture of croissants with a rich almond filling, all baked to perfection in a muffin tin. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins offer a delightful nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are a treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup almond paste, crumbled
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, mix crumbled almond paste, granulated sugar, and softened butter until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined. Stir in almond flour.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 squares.
- Place each square into the muffin tin, pressing down and up the sides. Spoon about a tablespoon of almond filling into each square and fold over the corners.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown. Cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Ensure puff pastry is thawed completely before use.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free almond paste.
Muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 muffins
- Calories: 220 kcal per muffin
