THESE COOKIES might be the best thing ever. I am not joking. But I mean…. it’s an almond croissant in cookie form, so of course its the best thing ever.
Almond Croissant Cookies: A Luxurious Bite
Indulge in Decadence
These almond croissant cookies are the epitome of indulgent baking. Picture this: flaky, buttery cookie dough enveloping a creamy almond frangipane filling, all topped with toasted almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Science Behind the Perfect Cookie
The key to a great cookie lies in the balance of ingredients. The butter, sugar, and eggs create a rich and flavorful dough. The flour, baking powder, and baking soda provide structure and lift. The almond flour adds a nutty flavor and helps to keep the cookies moist.
A Bit of Baking History
Cookies have been around for centuries, with the earliest versions dating back to ancient Rome. The first cookies were simple biscuits made with flour, water, and fat. Over time, cookies have evolved into a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors.
Today, cookies are a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be enjoyed as a snack, a dessert, or even a breakfast food.
A Brief History of Almond Croissants
While the exact origins of the almond croissant are a bit hazy, we can trace its roots back to France. The croissant itself is a French pastry with Austrian origins, dating back to the 17th century. Over time, it evolved into the flaky, buttery delight we know today.
The almond croissant, with its rich, nutty filling, is a more recent addition to the pastry scene. It’s believed to have emerged in the 20th century, likely in France or a neighboring country. The combination of buttery croissant dough and almond frangipane filling was a match made in heaven, creating a truly indulgent treat.
Today, almond croissants are enjoyed worldwide, with variations and adaptations found in different cultures. Whether you’re indulging in a Parisian patisserie or a local bakery, the almond croissant remains a classic and beloved pastry.
The Art of Baking:
Baking is both a science and an art. It requires precision, patience, and a bit of creativity. By understanding the basic principles of baking, you can create delicious treats like these almond croissant cookies.
One of the most important factors in baking is temperature. The temperature of the oven, the ingredients, and the room can all affect the outcome of your baked goods. It’s important to use a good quality oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature.
Another important factor is time. Baking times can vary depending on the recipe, the size of the cookies, and the oven temperature. It’s important to keep an eye on your cookies and take them out of the oven when they are done.
Tips for Baking Perfect Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough will help it hold its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Don’t Overbake the Cookies: Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly cookies.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will affect the taste and texture of your cookies.
- Measure Your Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to measure your ingredients accurately.
A Deeper Dive into Almond Flour
Almond flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Almond flour is also low in carbohydrates and gluten-free.
When using almond flour in baking, it is important to note that it absorbs moisture more quickly than wheat flour. This means that you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe.
Almond flour is a great alternative to wheat flour for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is also a good choice for people who are looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
The Science Behind the Perfect Almond Croissant Cookie
The almond croissant cookie is a complex pastry that requires a delicate balance of ingredients and techniques. The flaky, buttery crust is achieved by layering sheets of dough and folding them over and over again. The almond frangipane filling is made with a combination of almond flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The toasted almonds add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
When baking these cookies, it is important to pay attention to the temperature of the oven and the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly cookies. It is also important to let the cookies cool completely before adding powdered sugar.
In Conclusion
These almond croissant cookies are a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to please. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get baking!
Almond Croissant Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- – 1 cup butter room temperature
- – 2/3 cup brown sugar
- – 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- – 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- – 1 egg and 1 egg yolk
- – 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
- – 2 tsp vanilla extract
- – 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- – 3/4 cup almond flour
- – 1/2 tsp baking powder
- – 1/4 tsp baking soda
- – 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- – 3 tbs butter melted
- – 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- – 1/2 tsp almond extract
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – pinch of salt
- – 1 3/4 cups almond flour
Topping
- – 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- – flakey sea salt optional
- – 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Base
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together room temperature butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for 2 minutes, allowing the butter and sugar to fully incorporate.
- Add 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the mixture and cream together until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, careful not to over-beat.
- Separate dough into 12 even balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or plate) and store in the fridge for a few hours.
Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Whisk in almond flour until fully incorporated.
- Set aside roughly 1/3 of the frangipane filling to use as a topping. Divide the remaining 2/3 of mixture into 12 even balls to use as the filling.
- Store frangipane filling in the fridge as the dough chills.
Toasted Almond Topping
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spread almonds evenly across a small oven safe dish, or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown.
Cookie Baking
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread parchment paper over two baking sheets.
- Take cookie dough and frangipane filling out of the fridge. Flatten the cookie dough balls into a disk shape, resting a ball of frangipane dough in top. Close the dough around the frangipane filling and set on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and frangipane balls.
- Take the set-aside frangipane mixture designated for topping and evenly add a small amount to each cookie by flattening it into a small disk and pressing it onto the top of the cookie ball. Repeat for each cookie.
- Gently press several toasted almonds onto the top of the frangipane topping.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden on the outside. Top with flakey sea salt as soon as the cookies are removed from the oven.
- Once cooled, sift powdered sugar onto the top and enjoy!