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Giant Gingerbread Almond Croissant

Giant Gingerbread Almond Croissant
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The Giant Gingerbread Almond Croissant is a festive, flaky pastry combining buttery French croissant dough with warm gingerbread spices and a nutty almond filling. Perfectly flaky with a crunchy almond topping and optional honey or maple syrup drizzle, it’s an indulgent treat ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack during the holiday season or any time you want a special delicacy.

Ingredients

Scale

Croissant Dough & Butter

  • Quality croissant dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Unsalted cold butter (for layering and richness)

Almond Filling

  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp gingerbread spice mix (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg)
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

Toppings & Finishing

  • 1 egg (beaten, for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Almond Filling: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the ground almonds, brown sugar, gingerbread spices, one beaten egg, and almond extract until smooth and well combined. This mixture balances sweetness, spice, and nutty flavor perfectly.
  2. Roll and Shape the Croissant Dough: Roll your croissant dough out into a large rectangle. Spread an even layer of the almond filling over the dough’s surface. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice this log into large, generous pieces to form individual croissants.
  3. Add the Toppings: Arrange the croissant slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops gently with beaten egg to create a shiny glaze, then sprinkle sliced almonds over each croissant for a crunchy, golden finish.
  4. Bake Until Golden and Flaky: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and flaky. During baking, the aroma of gingerbread spices will fill your kitchen, signaling they are ready.
  5. Optional Finishing Touch: After letting the croissants cool slightly, drizzle warm honey or maple syrup over them for added sweetness and a glossy, irresistible finish.

Notes

  • Chill the dough during preparation to maintain flakiness and prevent butter from melting prematurely.
  • Use freshly ground spices for best flavor impact.
  • Avoid overfilling the almond mixture to prevent sogginess while ensuring rich taste.
  • Brush the egg wash thinly to avoid pooling and ensure even, glossy crust.
  • Allow croissants to cool for about 10 minutes after baking for the filling to set and easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread croissant, almond croissant, holiday pastry, spiced croissant, festive breakfast, flaky pastry

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/giant-gingerbread-almond-croissant/