Heavenly, Nutty Delights for Every Occasion
Almond-Filled French Pastries are the ultimate indulgence for pastry lovers. These flaky, buttery delights with a luscious almond filling strike the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying them as a decadent breakfast, a dessert centerpiece, or a snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, these pastries are guaranteed to impress!
What Makes Almond-Filled French Pastries Special?
The magic lies in the combination of a perfectly tender dough and a rich, creamy almond filling. Crafted with simple yet high-quality ingredients, each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a harmonious mix of flavors and textures. The buttery dough is enhanced by the warm nuttiness of almond paste, a touch of sweetness from powdered sugar, and the fragrant aroma of almond extract. To top it all off, sliced almonds and fresh berries provide the perfect crunchy and fruity contrast.
The process is as enjoyable as the result! From kneading the dough to shaping the pastries, the recipe invites you to immerse yourself in the art of baking. And once you pull those golden pastries out of the oven, the sight and aroma alone will make your heart sing!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
For the Almond Filling:
- 1 cup almond paste
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- Sliced almonds (for topping)
- Fresh raspberries and blueberries (for garnish)
How to Make Almond-Filled French Pastries
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix almond paste, powdered sugar, almond extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Set aside.
- Shape the Pastries: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough into 8-10 portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle, spread a dollop of filling in the center, and fold the sides over the filling. Twist the ends to create a knot or bun shape.
- Bake: Arrange the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush them with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Let the pastries cool slightly before garnishing with fresh raspberries and blueberries. If desired, drizzle with icing for an extra touch of sweetness!
A Sweet Tip!
Almond-Filled French Pastries taste best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore their flaky texture.
These pastries are a labor of love that brings a little taste of France into your home. Perfect for celebrations, brunches, or simply treating yourself, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, bake these beauties, and watch them disappear in no time!
Happy baking!
