This recipe for Matcha Almond Croissants is simple and easy to make. Revive day-old croissants and turn them into artisan bakery-style treats, filled with a delicious green tea frangipane.
What are almond croissants?
A bakery classic, almond croissants are double-baked croissants filled with almond frangipane.
Day-old regular croissants are brushed with simple syrup, or a sweet sugar syrup, and filled with almond frangipane paste.
The croissants are revived by baking for a second time (twice-baked), creating a caramelized, crisp and fragrant treat.
What is frangipane?
Frangipane is a sweet and fragrant almond cream/paste filling used commonly in bakewell tarts and croissants.
Originally, frangipane was more of a cream/custard filling, with a ratio of two parts almond cream to 1 part pastry cream, however the ratios can vary.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder, milled from green tea leaves.
It has a vibrant green hue and slightly earthy flavour.
If you're new to matcha, be sure to check out my Beginner's Guide to Matcha.
Why you'll love this recipe
This recipe for Matcha Almond Croissants is simple to make and is adapted from my Double-Baked Almond Croissants and Matcha Almond Bostock.
You can make the matcha almond frangipane filling in one bowl!
The addition of matcha green tea powder to the classic almond croissant adds a delicious matcha flavour and tempers the overall sweetness of the croissants, making them not too sweet.
It's a great way to use up any leftover day-old croissants you have on hand.
Using store-bought croissants makes this an easy, yet fancy treat to whip up for guests.
Easily double up the recipe to make more to feed a crowd, perfect for breakfast or brunches.
Ingredients you'll need
Croissants:
- day-old croissants: you can make your own, or use store-bought croissants
- simple syrup: for brushing the insides of the croissant
For the matcha frangipane:
- large egg: to bind everything together
- granulated sugar: or any sweetener that you like; adds a little sweetness
- matcha powder: choose a high-quality matcha powder for the best flavour and colour
- salted butter: softened at room temperature; you can also use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the mixture
- vanilla extract: adds flavour to the frangipane
- almond flour: also known as almond meal, which is finely ground up almonds
- almond extract: adds additional almond flavour; optional
- sliced almond/almond slices: for scattering on top of the croissants; untoasted; you can use either with skin or without skin
How to make matcha almond croissants
Make the matcha frangipane
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, matcha, butter, vanilla extract and almond extract.
Add in the almond flour.
Whisk until everything is incorporated.
Assemble
Preheat oven to 350F.
Use a sharp knife to cut the croissants in half equatorially.
Brush the insides of the croissant with simple syrup.
Divide the matcha frangipane and spread about half of the mixture onto each croissant, leaving a little remaining for the tops.
Replace the croissant tops and spread the remaining matcha frangipane on top of the croissants.
Scatter and press on sliced almonds.
Place the croissants onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden, covering with foil about half-way through the bake.
Remove croissants from oven and let cool.
Dust with powdered sugar and/or extra matcha and decorate with matcha chocolate (optional).
How to serve & reheat
Serve the Matcha Almond Croissants at room temperature or slightly warm.
It's best to serve them on the same day they are made.
Try pairing matcha croissants with an Iced Matcha Latte for double the matcha flavour.
To reheat, bake the croissants at 350F for 5-10 minutes, until crisp and warm.
It's not optimal to microwave the croissants as they will lose their crisp and light, flaky texture.
How to store
Store the homemade green tea almond croissants in an airtight container at room temperature or in a cool location for up to 1 day.
Flavour variation
For a twist on this recipe, try a Matcha Mochi Croissant, which contains a matcha coconut frangipane and mochi filling.
FAQs & expert tips
Can I make the matcha almond frangipane ahead of time?
You can make the frangipane up to 1 day ahead, cover it and store in the fridge.
Can I freeze the finished croissants?
You can individually wrap the croissants in aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
It's best not to dust or decorate the croissants if you plan on doing this.
Reheat the matcha croissants by baking in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
How can I prevent the croissants from turning brown?
Cover the croissants with aluminum foil, about 10 minutes into the bake.
That will help retain the green colour of the matcha frangipane on top.
Other delicious recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these recipes:
Easy Double-Baked Almond Croissants
Sweet Coconut Almond Frangipane Buns
Matcha Almond Scones with Bergamot Glaze
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Matcha Almond Croissants
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
Matcha almond frangipane:
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 ½ tablespoon salted butter softened at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- ½ C almond flour
Croissants:
- 2 day-old croissants
- 1-2 tablespoon simple syrup
- 1-2 Tbsp sliced almond (almond flakes)
Garnish:
- powdered sugar
- matcha chocolate
Instructions
For key visual process photos, refer to the body of the blog post.
Make the matcha almond frangipane:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, matcha, butter, vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Add in the almond flour.
- Whisk until everything is incorporated.
Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the croissants in half equatorially.
- Brush the insides of the croissant with simple syrup.
- Divide the matcha frangipane and spread about half of the mixture onto each croissant, leaving a little remaining for the tops.
- Replace the croissant tops and spread the remaining matcha frangipane on top of the croissants.
- Scatter and press on sliced almonds.
- Place the croissants onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F/177°C for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden, covering with foil about half-way through the bake.
- Remove croissants from oven and let cool.
- Dust with powdered sugar and/or extra matcha and decorate with matcha chocolate (optional).
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Neil
I do love almond frangipane so I can imagine this really takes day old croissant to a whole new level. And stops you from having to throw them out!
David @ Spiced
This croissants are gorgeous - literally something I would expect to see in a bakery window! Almond frangipane is my favorite croissant filling, so I know I would be all about these. The only thing I don't understand is this concept of "day-old croissants." Our croissants never last that long! 🙂
Michelle
Haha, yes, day-old croissants is a rarity, especially in a household where 3 of them are males... thanks David!
Healthy World Cuisine
Your delicious matcha almond croissants are over he top! That filling and that topping is so decadent and love the earthy taste of the matcha.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
I love almond frangipane, and the addition of matcha sounds like a great idea. And the croissants look terrific - that's such a great way to jazz up some leftover croissants.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
This croissant upgrade makes your croissants better than fresh. The satisfying crunch and delicious glaze make these totally irresistible!
Tasia
These matcha almond croissants are beautiful! And I bet they taste amazing!
Raymund | angsarap.net
These matcha almond croissants look delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe. I love that they are easy to make and perfect for using up day-old croissants. The addition of matcha green tea powder to the classic almond croissant is a great idea.