A baked almond croissant is a delicious pastry made from a flaky, buttery croissant dough filled with almond cream or frangipane. Often topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, it's known for its rich, nutty flavor and crisp texture, making it a popular choice for breakfast or a sweet treat.
To make a baked almond croissant, the process typically involves:
1. Croissant Dough
Start with classic croissant dough, which is laminated with layers of butter to create a flaky texture.
2. Almond Cream
The filling usually consists of almond paste, butter, sugar, and eggs, blended until smooth. Some recipes might also include a splash of vanilla or a touch of rum for added flavor.
3. Assembly
The croissant dough is rolled out, filled with the almond cream, and then shaped into a crescent. It can also be sliced open to add extra filling before being folded back.
4. Baking
After a final rise, the croissants are baked until golden brown, resulting in a crisp exterior and a soft, almond-flavored interior.
5. Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, they can be dusted with powdered sugar and topped with toasted almond slices for added crunch.
These pastries are often enjoyed warm and pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Here's a simple recipe to make baked almond croissants at home:
Ingredients:
For the Croissant Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (for dough)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
For the Almond Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Topping
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate Yeast
Warm the milk slightly and mix in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter
Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix Together
Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead lightly, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Almond Cream:
- Mix Ingredients
In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, almond flour, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. Shape the Croissants:
- Roll the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Cut Triangles
Cut the dough into triangles (base about 4-5 inches).
- Fill
Place a spoonful of almond cream at the base of each triangle and roll up tightly towards the point.
- Shape
Curve the ends to form a crescent shape.
4. Final Rise and Bake:
- Proof
Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake
Brush the tops with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a bit of water) and sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Cool
Allow them to cool slightly, then dust with powdered
sugar before serving.
Enjoy your homemade baked almond croissants with coffee or tea!
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