Almond Croissant Muffins Recipe
If you’re craving the buttery richness of a French pastry but want a treat that’s fuss-free and portable, Almond Croissant Muffins are about to sweep you off your feet. Imagine the nutty aroma of almond flour mingling with sweet vanilla, wrapped in a fluffy, tender crumb and crowned with sliced almonds—these muffins deliver everything you love about a classic almond croissant but with the ease of a simple muffin. They feel a little fancy yet come together in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for slow breakfasts, special brunches, or a sweet mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Almond Croissant Muffins has a delicious job to do! With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of French-inspired touches, you’ll achieve bakery-style flavor and that charming golden finish that sets these muffins apart. Let’s break down what each ingredient brings to the table.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the muffin, giving it structure and a light, fluffy texture.
- Almond flour: Adds irresistible nutty flavor and a tender, moist crumb reminiscent of a true almond croissant.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens things up and helps create a delicate, golden crust.
- Baking powder: Lifts the muffins to a perfect rise, making them soft and airy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the almond notes.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Gives these muffins their luscious, rich flavor and keeps them delightfully moist.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter for stability and extra richness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and a bit of lightness to the crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the sweet almond flavor.
- Almond extract: The secret ingredient for that unmistakable pastry-shop aroma and taste—don’t skip it!
- Sliced almonds: Offer a satisfying crunch on top and give your muffins picture-perfect appeal.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Optional, but adds a beautiful, classic finish, just like French patisserie.
- Almond paste (optional): Fold in a little for extra decadence and a truly authentic almond croissant flavor.
How to Make Almond Croissant Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup, or lightly grease each cup with nonstick spray if you prefer a crisper edge. Giving attention to this step ensures your Almond Croissant Muffins release with no fuss and brown evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This blend sets up a soft, fragile crumb and infuses the base with that delicate almond richness. Make sure everything is combined well, so you get consistent flavor and lift in each muffin.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk the melted (but cooled) butter with the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is luxuriously smooth. This wet blend is where all the buttery, aromatic goodness starts to bloom—taking your muffins from basic to absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few streaks of flour left—a little under-mixing here ensures your Almond Croissant Muffins stay tender rather than tough. If you’re going for extra richness, now’s the moment to fold in crumbled almond paste.
Step 5: Portion and Top
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin cups, aiming to fill each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle a generous pinch of sliced almonds onto each mound of batter. Not only do they toast up beautifully, but they add that signature almond croissant crunch and make every bite a treat.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. They’re ready when the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are just fine!). Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack, where you’ll finish them with a light shower of powdered sugar.
How to Serve Almond Croissant Muffins
Garnishes
For a truly patisserie-inspired finish, dust your Almond Croissant Muffins with a little powdered sugar just before serving. A tiny drizzle of honey or a swipe of softened butter inside—especially while warm—takes these over the top. You can even add an extra sprinkle of sliced almonds for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a generous bowl of fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad for a fresh contrast. They’re equally fabulous alongside a foamy cappuccino or a pot of strong English breakfast tea. For a brunch spread, serve them next to creamy yogurt, cheese, and perhaps a little homemade jam.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Almond Croissant Muffins in a basket lined with a linen napkin for a café-at-home vibe. For special occasions, wrap each muffin in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet, individual touch. Or, split them open and stuff with whipped almond cream or pastry cream—guests will love the surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Almond Croissant Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They retain their flavor and stay moist, making them a dream for breakfast or an afternoon snack through the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for future cravings, simply let the muffins cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temp or on a low setting in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven treat.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked texture, warm Almond Croissant Muffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If reheating from frozen, unwrap and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. A short toasting brings back the almondy aroma and makes them taste as if they just cooled on your kitchen counter.
FAQs
Can I make Almond Croissant Muffins gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The almond flour already keeps things naturally tender and moist.
What if I don’t have almond paste?
No worries! The muffins are still wonderfully almond-forward and moist without it. Almond paste just adds an extra layer of richness but is completely optional.
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
While almonds are classic, feel free to experiment with hazelnuts or pistachios for a twist. Just chop the nuts and use them as you would the sliced almonds on top.
Should I refrigerate Almond Croissant Muffins?
It’s not necessary for short-term storage; they’re best kept at room temperature in an airtight container. Only refrigerate if your kitchen is quite warm or humid, in which case, bring them to room temp before eating.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully—just prepare two muffin tins and rotate them halfway through baking for even results. Almond Croissant Muffins are perfect for sharing!
Final Thoughts
If you adore the flavors of almond pastries but want a no-fuss way to enjoy them at home, I hope you’ll give Almond Croissant Muffins a try. Once you taste their soft, almond-rich crumb fresh from the oven, I think you’ll find any excuse to make them again and again—breakfast, brunch, or, honestly, just because. Happy baking!
Print
Almond Croissant Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Croissant Muffins are a delightful fusion of a classic croissant and a fluffy muffin, with the rich flavor of almonds in every bite. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- 2 tablespoons almond paste, crumbled (optional for richer flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add almond paste: Gently fold in the almond paste if using.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter among the muffin cups and top with sliced almonds.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a croissant-like experience, try splitting the muffins and adding butter or almond cream.
- These muffins freeze well and reheat beautifully in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
