If you love the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants and the unique, earthy elegance of green tea, you are going to adore this Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic almond croissants that elevates every bite with vibrant matcha powder, offering a gorgeous color and subtle complexity. These croissants are rich, tender, and perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty, making them the ultimate treat for a leisurely breakfast or an afternoon indulgence. Trust me, once you try this Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe, it will become one of your new go-to favorites for cozy mornings or impressive brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe are refreshingly simple but essential for creating that irresistibly soft, flavorful filling and perfectly crispy exterior. Each element plays a distinct role, from the matcha’s vibrant color to the almond flour’s natural richness and the croissants’ buttery layers.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the frangipane.
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering it.
- 2 tsp matcha powder: For that beautifully grassy, slightly bitter flavor and striking green hue.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp salted butter (softened): Provides creaminess and a buttery depth to the almond mixture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and classic sweetness to brighten flavors.
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional): Enhances the nutty aroma, reinforcing the almond theme.
- 1/2 C almond flour: The star of the filling, creating that rich, tender texture.
- 2 day-old croissants: Slightly stale croissants soak up the filling perfectly without falling apart.
- 1-2 Tbsp simple syrup: Brushed inside the croissants to add moisture and subtle sweetness.
- 1-2 Tbsp sliced almonds (almond flakes): For a delightful crunch and elegant topping.
- Powdered sugar: A dusting to finish with a touch of sweetness and pretty presentation.
- Matcha chocolate (optional): Adds extra matcha flavor and decorative flair when garnishing.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Make the Matcha Almond Frangipane
Begin by whisking together the egg, granulated sugar, matcha powder, softened salted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture creates the flavorful base of your filling. Next, fold in the almond flour and continue whisking until fully combined. This frangipane is rich, creamy, and infused with the bright earthiness of matcha that truly sets this recipe apart.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissants
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each day-old croissant horizontally through the middle, creating two halves. Brushing the inside surfaces with simple syrup adds moisture and a gentle sweetness that helps balance the nutty filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Croissants
Spread about half of the matcha almond frangipane generously inside the bottom halves of the croissants. Replace the croissant tops carefully and then spread the remaining frangipane on top of each croissant. This layering locks in the creamy filling and ensures every bite explodes with flavor.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top of each assembled croissant, pressing them down slightly so they stick. Place the croissants on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, covering them halfway through with foil to prevent over-browning. The result will be croissants with a golden, slightly crisp top and tender, flavorful filling inside.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, dust the croissants with powdered sugar and an extra sprinkle of matcha powder if you love that additional pop of green tea flavor. For an elegant touch, drizzle or decorate with matcha chocolate. These finishing steps make your Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe look as stunning as they taste.
How to Serve Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your croissants simply by dusting them with powdered sugar for a classic look, or for a twist, sprinkle extra matcha powder to amplify the flavor theme. A drizzle of melted white or matcha-infused chocolate adds a decadent, glossy finish that invites indulgence with every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these croissants alongside fresh seasonal fruit like berries or citrus segments to balance their richness with freshness. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of green tea ice cream makes for an irresistible dessert pairing that keeps the matcha celebration going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your breakfast or brunch table into an elegant affair by serving the matcha almond croissants on a wooden board garnished with edible flowers or sprigs of mint for a pop of color. For a more casual vibe, stack them on pretty plates layered with parchment paper and scatter extra sliced almonds around for texture and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the croissants fresh while maintaining their tender interiors. Avoid the fridge to prevent drying out the delicate layers.
Freezing
You can freeze these assembled croissants before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They will keep well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed for freshly oven-warm croissants that taste just as divine.
Reheating
To bring your Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe back to life, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This revives the flakiness and melts the filling back to creamy perfection without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make croissants rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?
Day-old croissants work best because they absorb the filling without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh croissants, you can lightly toast them first to dry them out a bit before assembling.
Is matcha powder hard to find or expensive?
Not at all! Matcha powder is widely available in most grocery stores, specialty tea shops, or online. It’s worth investing in a good quality ceremonial or culinary grade for that vibrant color and smooth flavor.
Can I omit almond extract if I don’t have it?
Yes, almond extract is optional and mainly enhances the nutty aroma. Vanilla extract alone will keep the filling flavorful, but adding almond extract gives that classic almond croissant scent.
What’s the difference between almond flour and almond meal here?
Almond flour is finely ground and results in a smoother frangipane texture, ideal for this recipe. Almond meal is coarser and can be used, but your filling might be a bit grainier.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt, you could substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg and use dairy-free butter alternatives. However, fresh results may vary, as croissants and frangipane traditionally rely on butter and eggs for texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Matcha Almond Croissants Recipe is truly a joy and a celebration of flavors you don’t often find together in everyday baking. Its inviting aroma, stunning green hue, and irresistible tenderness make it a special treat worth sharing with friends or savoring solo. Dive into the warmth and comfort of these croissants and watch as they quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
PrintMatcha Almond Croissants Recipe
Delight in these Matcha Almond Croissants, a perfect fusion of flaky pastry and vibrant matcha almond frangipane. This recipe transforms day-old croissants into an elegant dessert or breakfast treat, enhanced with the earthy flavor of matcha and the nutty richness of almond flour, topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Matcha Almond Frangipane
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp salted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
Assembly and Topping
- 2 day-old croissants
- 1–2 Tbsp simple syrup
- 1–2 Tbsp sliced almonds (almond flakes)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Matcha chocolate (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Make the matcha almond frangipane: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, granulated sugar, matcha powder, softened salted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. Add the almond flour and whisk again until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth mixture.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the croissants.
- Prepare the croissants: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Brush the inside surfaces of both halves generously with simple syrup to add moisture and sweetness.
- Assemble the croissants: Divide the matcha almond frangipane evenly, spreading about half the mixture onto the bottom halves of the croissants. Place the tops back on and spread the remaining frangipane on top of each croissant.
- Add the almond topping: Scatter and gently press the sliced almonds onto the frangipane-covered croissant tops to ensure they adhere during baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the croissants turn lightly golden. Cover with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning if necessary.
- Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the croissants to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and/or a little extra matcha powder. Decorate with matcha chocolate if desired for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps them hold their shape and absorb the frangipane better.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, do not omit the almond extract.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup according to how moist or dry your croissants are.
- Covering with foil halfway through baking prevents the topping and croissants from burning.
- Matcha chocolate can be substituted with regular white or dark chocolate if desired.