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Almond Croissant Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe

4.7 from 57 reviews

Almond Croissant Puff Pastry Swirls are a delightful pastry treat combining buttery puff pastry with a rich almond filling, finished with a golden brush of heavy cream, garnished with almond slices and fresh berries, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these swirls offer a crisp, flaky texture with a moist, nutty center and a hint of citrus zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry and Garnish

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (500g each), thawed if frozen
  • Almond slices, for garnish
  • 14 cherries or fresh berries, for garnish
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Heavy cream, for brushing

Almond Filling

  • 4 oz unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups almond flour
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Almond Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well blended. Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Fold in the almond flour and citrus zest until the filling is smooth and evenly mixed.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry Sheets: Lay out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface or baking sheet. If necessary, gently roll them out slightly to even out any folds or creases.
  3. Spread Almond Filling: Evenly spread the prepared almond filling over the surface of each puff pastry sheet with a spatula, making sure to cover the entire sheet edge to edge.
  4. Shape the Swirls: Starting from one long edge of the puff pastry sheet, carefully roll it into a tight log or cylinder. Once rolled, slice the log into individual swirls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick, ensuring uniformity for even baking.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Place the puff pastry swirls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each swirl. Brush the tops with heavy cream to promote browning and shine. Garnish each swirl with almond slices as desired.
  6. Bake the Croissant Swirls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the swirls for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully puffed.
  7. Cool and Garnish: Remove the baked swirls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and top each swirl with a cherry or fresh berries for a colorful, fresh finish.
  8. Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature as a sweet breakfast pastry or delightful snack accompanied by coffee or tea.

Notes

  • Thaw puff pastry sheets completely before using for easier handling and better puff.
  • You can substitute almond flour with finely ground almonds if almond flour is unavailable.
  • For a vegan version, replace eggs with a flax or chia seed egg and butter with a plant-based alternative.
  • Ensure uniform thickness when slicing pastries for even baking.
  • The citrus zest adds a refreshing aroma—feel free to adjust according to your preference.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: almond croissant, puff pastry swirls, almond pastry, baked almond swirls, breakfast pastry, brunch recipe, almond flour pastry