These Matcha Almond Croissants are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry. By using store-bought croissants, you can easily create crispy, flaky, and buttery treats filled with a rich and creamy matcha frangipane. Topped with sliced almonds and dusted with powdered sugar, these croissants are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a special dessert. The earthy matcha flavor takes these almond croissants to the next level, making them a must-try for matcha lovers.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup:

• 100g granulated sugar

• 100g water

For the Matcha Frangipane:

• 115g unsalted butter, softened

• 100g almond flour

• 60g powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon matcha powder (ceremonial grade or high-quality culinary grade)

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

For the Croissants:

• 4 croissants

• Sliced almonds (for topping)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Matcha Frangipane: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric hand mixer until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add almond flour, powdered sugar, matcha powder, and salt, mixing on low speed until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Assemble the Croissants: Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides with simple syrup. Pipe a generous amount of matcha frangipane onto the bottom half of each croissant, reserving some to pipe on top. Place the top halves of the croissants on and pipe a line of frangipane over each croissant. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.

4. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Finish: Once baked, let the croissants cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (per croissant, estimated)

• Calories: 704 kcal

• Protein: 15g

• Fat: 50g

  • Saturated Fat: 23g

• Carbohydrates: 53g

  • Sugars: 28g

• Sodium: 327mg

• Potassium: 105mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Vitamin A: 1449 IU

• Calcium: 93mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Allure of Matcha: A Flavorful and Healthful Addition

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves, is known for its vibrant green color, rich flavor, and numerous health benefits. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is consumed in its entirety, allowing drinkers to enjoy the full spectrum of nutrients that the tea leaves provide. The flavor of matcha is earthy, slightly bitter, and vegetal, with a smooth umami richness that makes it distinct from other teas or flavorings.

In these Matcha Almond Croissants, matcha is incorporated into the frangipane, which is a creamy almond filling. The matcha flavor blends beautifully with the sweet, nutty almond, creating a pastry that has depth and complexity. In addition to its flavor, matcha is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is known for its ability to boost metabolism, enhance brain function, and improve overall well-being, making it a healthful ingredient to include in your baking.

The Matcha Frangipane: A Creamy and Nutty Filling

Frangipane is a classic almond filling that is often used in tarts, pastries, and cakes. The rich, creamy texture of frangipane pairs beautifully with the buttery croissant, and the addition of matcha in this version creates a unique and flavorful twist. The base of matcha frangipane includes almond flour, which provides a soft, smooth texture, and powdered sugar, which adds sweetness to balance the bitterness of the matcha. The richness of the butter gives the filling a creamy texture that is both indulgent and satisfying.

The matcha powder in the frangipane adds a beautiful green color to the filling, as well as its signature earthy flavor. The combination of matcha with almond flour creates a harmonious blend of flavors that complements the flakiness of the croissant dough. The frangipane filling is not only delicious but also adds a luxurious feel to the croissants, making them stand out as an elevated treat that is perfect for any special occasion.

The Croissant Dough: A Buttery, Flaky Base

While the frangipane filling is undoubtedly the star of this recipe, the croissant dough provides the perfect base for the sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors. Croissants are known for their multiple layers of dough, which are achieved through a process of rolling and folding. This process creates a light, flaky texture that is ideal for holding fillings like matcha frangipane and adding a satisfying crunch to the overall pastry.

Using store-bought croissants simplifies the recipe without sacrificing the signature flakiness and buttery texture that make croissants so beloved. The pre-baked croissants are already light and flaky, making them the ideal vessel for holding the matcha frangipane and ensuring the pastry stays tender while offering a satisfying crunch on the outside.

Once assembled and baked with the matcha frangipane filling and streusel topping, the croissants become golden brown and crisp, with a slightly caramelized exterior. The buttery layers of the croissant complement the creamy matcha almond filling, creating a balanced combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

The Streusel Topping: Crunch and Sweetness

A key element that sets these Matcha Almond Croissants apart from traditional almond croissants is the streusel topping. Streusel is a crumbly mixture made from butter, sugar, and flour, and when baked, it forms a crunchy, golden topping that adds texture and sweetness to the pastry. The streusel topping contrasts beautifully with the soft, flaky croissant and the creamy frangipane filling, creating a delightful bite with every mouthful.

The streusel not only adds a satisfying crunch but also enhances the overall flavor of the croissants. The sweetness of the sugar in the streusel balances the slightly bitter matcha and complements the richness of the almond frangipane. The golden brown color of the streusel makes these croissants visually appealing and adds a rustic, homemade touch that makes them even more tempting.

The Simple Syrup: Adding Sweetness and Moisture

Before the frangipane is piped into the croissants, the cut sides of the croissant halves are brushed with simple syrup. This simple syrup, made from equal parts sugar and water, serves a couple of purposes in the recipe. First, it adds a touch of sweetness to the croissant dough, ensuring that the flavor profile is balanced and not overly dry. The simple syrup also helps to keep the croissants moist, preventing them from becoming too crispy or brittle once they are baked.

Brushing the croissants with syrup before adding the filling also allows the matcha frangipane to adhere better to the dough, preventing it from sliding off during baking. The moisture provided by the syrup contributes to the final texture of the croissants, making them tender on the inside while maintaining a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Assembly and Baking: A Fun and Rewarding Process

Assembling these croissants is a straightforward but enjoyable process. Once the croissants are sliced in half, the matcha frangipane is piped generously into the bottom half of each croissant. The top half is then placed on top, and a line of frangipane is piped along the top of each croissant, allowing for the signature almond topping to be added. Sprinkling sliced almonds on top of the frangipane before baking ensures that they will toast up nicely and add a beautiful golden crunch.

Baking the croissants at the right temperature is essential to achieving that perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior. The matcha frangipane should melt slightly during baking, creating a smooth and luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the flaky croissant dough. The streusel topping will turn golden brown, adding both color and crunch to the pastries.

A Versatile Pastry for Any Occasion

These Matcha Almond Croissants are perfect for a variety of occasions. They make an excellent breakfast option, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich, creamy filling combined with the light, flaky dough creates a decadent start to your day. These croissants also make a great addition to a brunch table, adding a touch of sophistication and flavor that will impress guests.

If you’re hosting a tea party, these croissants will fit right in alongside other pastries and treats, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Their vibrant green matcha color and golden-brown exterior make them visually appealing, while the combination of almond and matcha offers a unique flavor that stands out.

Additionally, these croissants can be enjoyed as a special dessert. The indulgent matcha almond filling, combined with the sweetness of the streusel and the rich croissant dough, makes these pastries a showstopper at any gathering. Whether served as a sweet end to a dinner or as a midday treat, Matcha Almond Croissants are sure to be a hit.

Conclusion: A Perfect Twist on a Classic Pastry

In conclusion, these Matcha Almond Croissants offer a unique and indulgent twist on the classic French pastry. The combination of buttery, flaky croissant dough, creamy matcha frangipane, crunchy almond topping, and delicate streusel crumble creates a pastry that is both visually stunning and delicious. The earthy flavor of matcha, paired with the sweetness of almonds and the richness of the filling, elevates these croissants into an unforgettable treat. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a special occasion, these croissants will become a favorite for anyone who loves the flavors of matcha and the elegance of French pastries.