These flaky croissants filled with almond ricotta cream are the perfect combination of buttery, crispy layers and a creamy, nutty filling. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, they are surprisingly easy to make, thanks to store-bought croissant dough. The almond ricotta filling is rich, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by the crunch of sliced almonds on top. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving guests, these croissants will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky and Buttery: The croissant dough bakes to golden perfection with a light, flaky texture.
Creamy Almond Filling: The almond ricotta filling is smooth, sweet, and nutty— a perfect complement to the buttery croissants.
Simple Ingredients: You can easily find all the ingredients at your local grocery store, and the croissant dough saves time, making this a quick and delicious treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These croissants are versatile and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making them a crowd-pleaser for any event.

Ingredients

1 package of croissant dough
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup almond paste
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sliced almonds for topping

How to Make Flaky Croissants Filled with Almond Ricotta Cream

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the croissants bake evenly and become golden and crispy.
Prepare the Croissant Dough: Open the package of croissant dough and unroll it. Cut the dough into triangles following the perforations, making sure to separate each triangle.
Make the Almond Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, almond paste, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. The almond paste will give the filling a delicious nutty flavor, while the ricotta keeps it creamy.
Assemble the Croissants: Place a spoonful of the almond ricotta mixture at the wide end of each croissant triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may leak out during baking.
Roll the Croissants: Starting from the wide end, roll each croissant towards the pointed tip, gently tucking in the edges to seal in the almond ricotta filling.
Brush with Egg Wash: Place the filled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
Top with Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the croissants for an added crunch and a touch of elegance.
Bake: Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Serve: Once baked, remove the croissants from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Croissant Dough: For the best flaky texture, use fresh croissant dough. If using refrigerated dough, allow it to come to room temperature for easier rolling.
Don’t Overfill the Croissants: Adding too much filling can cause the mixture to spill out while baking. A spoonful of filling is sufficient for each croissant.
Egg Wash for Shine: For that golden, shiny finish, always brush the croissants with an egg wash (beaten egg) before baking.
Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too warm while assembling, it can become difficult to handle. Consider chilling the dough for a few minutes before filling and rolling to make the process easier.

How to Serve

Warm: Serve these croissants warm out of the oven with a hot beverage like coffee, espresso, or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
With Fruit: Add fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or orange slices on the side for a colorful and refreshing contrast to the rich filling.
As a Dessert: These croissants are perfect for dessert as well. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare these croissants up to the point of baking. Assemble them and place them on a baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, just brush with the egg wash, top with almonds, and bake as directed.

Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge: Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Freezing: To freeze, place the assembled, unbaked croissants on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I make these croissants without almond paste?
Yes, you can substitute almond paste with ground almonds mixed with a little sugar and butter, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make these croissants gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe uses regular croissant dough, which contains gluten. However, you can try using a gluten-free croissant dough or puff pastry to make a gluten-free version.
How can I make these croissants more indulgent?
You can drizzle the croissants with a little chocolate ganache or icing after baking for an extra treat.
What other fillings can I use?
If you’re not a fan of almond filling, you could try using chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or cream cheese mixed with a bit of vanilla extract.
How do I prevent the croissants from leaking filling during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges of the croissant dough tightly when rolling it up. Also, don’t overfill the croissants, as this can cause the filling to spill out.

Conclusion

These Flaky Croissants Filled with Almond Ricotta Cream are a perfect combination of buttery, flaky dough and creamy, nutty filling. They’re easy to make yet look and taste impressive, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday or just because, these croissants are sure to be a hit!