These delicate, irresistible treats bring together the flaky comfort of a croissant and the sweet, nutty magic of an almond pastry—all without hours spent rolling out dough. The Best Almond Croissant Muffins are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving at breakfast, sneaking for a midday snack, or happily serving to a table full of friends. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll discover big, bakery-worthy flavor in a warm, golden muffin that’s pure almond bliss in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a laundry list to bake The Best Almond Croissant Muffins; just a handful of simple but essential ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each one plays a starring role—whether it’s binding the filling, building structure, or delivering all that signature almond flavor.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The secret shortcut for buttery, flaky layers—no fussing with pastry required.
- Almond flour (1/2 cup): The backbone of your almond filling, lending moisture and a mild, sweet nuttiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the almond and buttery notes.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Enriches the filling and keeps every bite tender and rich.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and gives the filling structure as it bakes.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): For that deep, unmistakable almond aroma and flavor that’s pure heaven.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little bit sharpens the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, for dusting): Helps handle the dough and keeps it from sticking.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup, for topping): A crunchy, eye-catching crown for each muffin, hinting at the treat inside.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A finishing flourish for that truly bakery-inspired look and a kiss of extra sweetness.
How to Make The Best Almond Croissant Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and giving a 12-cup muffin tin a quick spritz of nonstick spray—or pop in paper liners for speedy cleanup. This gets everything ready so the dough pops right out later in one beautiful piece.
Step 2: Mix Up the Almond Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, almond extract, and salt. You’re aiming for a creamy, thick almond paste. Take a moment to inhale that nutty aroma—it’s a definite hint of greatness to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll your crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface, using the all-purpose flour to dust and keep things manageable. Pinch and press the perforated seams together so you have one seamless sheet, then cut the dough evenly into 12 squares—try to keep them as equal as possible for even baking.
Step 4: Line the Muffin Cups
Gently press each square of dough into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. Don’t fuss if it isn’t perfect; a few ripples just add to the charm (think croissant, not cupcake).
Step 5: Fill With Almond Goodness
Spoon that luscious almond filling evenly among all the dough-lined cups. Don’t worry if you have to spread it slightly with a spoon—the warmth of the oven will help it settle beautifully as it bakes.
Step 6: Top With Almonds and Bake
Sprinkle a few sliced almonds over the top of each muffin for maximum crunch and classic almond croissant vibes. Bake for 15–18 minutes, checking for a lovely golden-brown color and puffed, slightly domed tops. Your kitchen will smell spectacular!
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If you love a little extra sweetness and that patisserie look, dust with powdered sugar before serving. These are simply stunning warm, but equally delicious at room temperature.
How to Serve The Best Almond Croissant Muffins
Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar is the classic finish for The Best Almond Croissant Muffins, but a drizzle of honey or a tiny dot of apricot jam can take them over the top. A sprinkle of extra sliced almonds just before serving adds both crunch and visual appeal—turning every muffin into a small piece of edible art.
Side Dishes
Pair your muffins with a steaming mug of coffee or a creamy cappuccino for the ultimate breakfast vibe. For brunch, a bowl of fresh berries, a citrus salad, or even a scoop of Greek yogurt balances the rich, nutty filling of The Best Almond Croissant Muffins perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the muffins on a vintage cake stand for an elegant tea party, or nestle each one into a piece of colorful parchment for a picnic-ready treat. If you’re gifting, wrap them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon—they make the most delightful homemade present!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, store them in the fridge to maintain their texture and freshness. The Best Almond Croissant Muffins taste just as magical the next day!
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely, wrap each in plastic wrap, and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When almond cravings strike, you can thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat muffins in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick, but the oven revives that golden, flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Almond Croissant Muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the crescent dough for a gluten-free pastry dough (store-bought or homemade) and make sure your almond flour is certified gluten-free. The taste and texture will still be wonderful—they’re incredibly adaptable.
Can I substitute something for almond extract?
You can use vanilla extract instead, but the muffins will lose some of that classic almond punch. For a twist, try orange or lemon extract for a subtle citrusy undertone.
Are these muffins best served warm or at room temperature?
Honestly, they’re delicious either way! Warm, they’re a gooey, buttery treat, but at room temperature, the flavors become even richer and the texture slightly chewier. Try both and see which you like best.
What’s the best way to make them extra special for brunch?
Add a teaspoon of amaretto liqueur to the almond filling or top each muffin with a tiny swirl of whipped cream and an extra pinch of sliced almonds. Plating them on your prettiest dish always makes brunch guests swoon.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Just slice the thawed puff pastry into squares and adjust the baking time as they can cook a bit quicker. The result is even flakier and closer to a classic bakery almond croissant.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly charming about a recipe that delivers so much joy for so little effort. The Best Almond Croissant Muffins strike that perfect balance between easy comfort and bakery-quality wow. Whether you bake them for a lazy weekend, a holiday brunch, or a last-minute treat, I promise they’ll become a treasured favorite. So go ahead—preheat that oven and let the almond aroma fill your home!
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The Best Almond Croissant Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of a buttery almond croissant and a moist muffin with these easy-to-make Almond Croissant Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your coffee!
Ingredients
Croissant Muffins:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- Prepare the filling: Mix almond flour, sugar, butter, egg, almond extract, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out and cut crescent dough, press into muffin cups.
- Add filling: Spoon almond filling into each cup, top with sliced almonds.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Finish: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
- Enhance the almond flavor with a teaspoon of amaretto in the filling.
- Puff pastry can be used instead of crescent dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
