Pin it
These matcha almond croissants are the ultimate bakery treat to make at home when you want something flaky, nutty, and a little out of the ordinary. The subtle earthiness of matcha mixed with creamy almond frangipane and crisp croissants delivers that wow factor you get from a good pâtisserie, without needing to leave your kitchen. Whether for breakfast or a sweet afternoon pick me up, these always disappear fast at my table.
I first tried these when I wanted to surprise my friend who loves both matcha and pastries. Seeing everyone’s excitement over these green dusted croissants made it an instant brunch favorite.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: For simple syrup, brings moisture back to the croissants, pick the freshest you can to avoid a stale taste
- Water: Allows the sugar to dissolve completely, filtered is best
- Unsalted butter: For the frangipane, gives a creamy texture, always use it at room temperature for easy mixing
- Almond flour: Creates that signature nutty filling, look for fine blanched almond flour for smoothness
- Powdered sugar: Melts right into the mixture creating a dense yet airy filling, use pure cane for best results
- Matcha powder: Brings an earthy and vibrant hit to the frangipane, opt for high quality ceremonial or good culinary grade for bright color and true flavor
- Salt: Accentuates almond and matcha notes, a pinch of sea salt works wonders
- Large eggs: Give structure and silkiness, ensure they are room temp for fluffier frangipane
- Store bought croissants: Should be fresh or a day old, bakery croissants hold up best
- Sliced almonds: Add crunch, always choose fresh slivers for the best flavor
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Brings a finishing touch, sift well for a snowy top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Simple Syrup:
- Make the simple syrup by combining granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat for about three minutes until no grains remain and the mixture looks clear and glossy. Let a third cool in a small bowl for immediate use and store the rest for later.
- Matcha Frangipane:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl use an electric hand mixer to whip your softened butter until it looks creamy and smooth. Add almond flour, powdered sugar, matcha powder, and salt mixing on low until the ingredients blend into a uniformly green paste. Beat in the eggs one at a time making sure the first is fully absorbed before adding the second. When your frangipane looks fluffy and light green scrape it into a piping bag and snip the tip.
- Filling and Assembling:
- Carefully slice your croissants in half horizontally and place only the bottoms on your lined tray. Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of the inside with cooled simple syrup until they feel nicely moistened but not soggy. Pipe a generous squiggle of frangipane onto each bottom half spreading to the edges for best coverage. Sandwich with the top halves and then pipe a long line of frangipane right across the top of each croissant.
- Topping and Baking:
- Press a handful of sliced almonds right into the frangipane so they stick well. Place your tray in the center of the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes or until the croissants are crisp and deeply golden. Cool on a wire rack for at least ten minutes so the filling sets slightly. Just before serving dust generously with powdered sugar using a sieve for even snowiness.
Pin it
The matcha powder is what makes these so memorable for me. Its color always surprises my guests and my sister fondly remembers the first time she bit into one and realized how well almonds and matcha pair up.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer freshness refrigerate them but let the croissants come back to room temperature or briefly reheat in a warm oven before eating. Freezing is possible but wrap well to prevent freezer burn and crisp in the oven before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find almond flour you can pulse blanched whole almonds until finely ground but avoid over processing to prevent turning into almond butter. Swap in pistachio flour for a slightly different flavor and color. Use vegan butter and egg replacers for a dairy free and vegan version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm out of the oven with extra matcha powder sifted lightly on top for added color and punch. Pair with a latte or a strong cup of green tea. These shine on brunch tables with fruit salad and a simple yogurt parfait.
Cultural Context
Classic almond croissants are a beloved feature in Parisian bakeries often made to revive day old croissants. The addition of matcha nods to Japan’s tea culture and gives new life to the French classic. This fusion makes it popular with anyone seeking something familiar yet refreshingly different.
Pin it
These croissants are a showstopper—vivid, nutty, and pure bakery bliss. Try them once and you’ll want to make them for every special breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of matcha works best?
Ceremonial or high-quality culinary grade matcha provides vibrant color and smooth flavor, ideal for baking.
- → Can I use store-bought croissants?
Yes, using bakery or store-bought croissants saves time and delivers delicious, flaky results.
- → Is almond flour required for the filling?
Almond flour is essential for a rich, moist frangipane texture and traditional almond flavor.
- → Should the pastries be served warm or at room temperature?
They taste best freshly baked and slightly warm, but are also enjoyable once cooled.
- → How long can finished croissants be stored?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for freshness.