If you have a soft spot for buttery, flaky pastries and the delightful crunch of pistachios, then you are going to adore this Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe. It takes simple day-old croissants and transforms them with a luscious pistachio cream that’s both nutty and sweet, offering the kind of breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet approachable. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion morning, these croissants come out golden, fragrant, and filled with a rich pistachio paste that’s irresistible from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe comes from combining a few essential ingredients that balance richness, sweetness, and texture beautifully. Each component plays a key role—from the tender croissants providing structure to the ground pistachios delivering that lovely nutty flavor and the hint of orange zest adding a fresh brightness.
- 4 all-butter croissants (day-old preferred): Using day-old croissants gives them the perfect firmness to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
- ½ cup unsalted shelled pistachios: Fresh, raw pistachios are best for grinding into a flavorful paste.
- ¼ cup almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps thicken the filling.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: For sweetness and smooth texture in the pistachio cream.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic note to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional): Brightens the filling with a citrus zing, making it extra special.
- 1 egg: Binds the filling and enriches the texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds silkiness and richness to the pistachio paste.
- ¼ cup milk (for brushing): Creates a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Sliced pistachios and powdered sugar for topping: Adds crunch and a pretty, inviting presentation.
How to Make Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Then, toss your shelled pistachios into a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground but not turned to powder. Add almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt, pulsing again to combine these dry ingredients evenly. Next, blend in the vanilla extract, orange zest if you’re using it, the egg, and softened butter until you get a smooth, thick pistachio paste that’s rich and spreadable. This filling is the heart of the recipe, so take a moment to appreciate its vibrant color and nutty aroma!
Step 2: Fill the Croissants
Slice each croissant horizontally, careful to leave a hinge intact so they stay connected like little pistachio-filled sandwiches. Gently pry each croissant open and carefully spread a generous layer of the pistachio paste inside, making sure every bite will be lusciously creamy. Close the croissant back up and arrange them on the lined baking sheet with enough space so they bake evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
Step 3: Add Finishing Touches and Bake
Lightly brush the tops of the filled croissants with milk—this step is key to achieving a shiny, golden finish. Then, spread a little of the leftover pistachio filling on top followed by a scatter of sliced pistachios for a delightful crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, just until they are warmed through and golden on top. Once out of the oven, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of sweetness and elegance to these irresistible pastries.
How to Serve Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe even more inviting, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy sweet finish. A few extra sliced pistachios on top not only enhance the texture but highlight the star ingredient beautifully. If you want to get fancy, a light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can elevate the experience even further.
Side Dishes
These croissants are perfect on their own but pairing them with fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness. For a brunch spread, serve with a steaming cup of coffee or a delicate green tea. A small bowl of Greek yogurt with a touch of honey works wonderfully as a creamy, tangy companion to the nutty filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving these Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe beauties on a rustic wooden board surrounded by whole pistachios, fresh mint leaves, and little bowls of jam or honey—instantly a charming centerpiece. You can also slice them into smaller portions to share as a delightful party appetizer or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries—store your filled croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to keep their fresh flaky texture. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to three days, but bring them back to room temperature or gently warm before eating to revive the buttery goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze the croissants nicely by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they’ll keep for up to two months without sacrificing too much on flavor or texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
To reheat, the oven is your best friend—it preserves the flaky crust and gooey filling better than a microwave. Simply preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), place the croissants on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and crisped back to perfection. A quick broil at the end can add a nice touch if you want extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?
While fresh croissants are wonderful on their own, day-old croissants are preferable for this recipe because they hold the pistachio filling better without getting overly soggy. If you use fresh ones, be gentle when filling, and consider slightly toasting them first to firm up the layers.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
If almond flour isn’t available, you can try finely ground cashews or even hazelnuts, which add their own unique flavor and a similar texture. Just be mindful that it will slightly change the taste of the pistachio filling.
Is the orange zest necessary?
The orange zest is optional but highly recommended as it brings a lovely brightness that complements the richness of the nuts and butter. If you don’t have orange, a little lemon zest can also work beautifully.
How long do these pistachio filled croissants keep fresh?
Best enjoyed the day they are made, these croissants can be stored up to three days refrigerated. Their texture is most delightful when fresh, but gentle reheating will bring back much of their original charm.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To veganize the Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe, substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter and use a flax egg or another egg replacement. Note that the texture and flavor will change slightly but can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about turning a humble croissant into a decadent treat with this Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe. The nutty pistachio paste, buttery layers, and subtle hints of vanilla and citrus come together in a way that feels both special and comforting. Whether for a decadent breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll be rewarded with smiles and maybe even a new favorite pastry in your baking repertoire.
Print
Pistachio Filled Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 filled croissants
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Pistachio Filled Croissants, a French-inspired breakfast treat featuring flaky all-butter croissants generously filled with a smooth and creamy pistachio paste. Enhanced with almond flour, powdered sugar, and subtle hints of vanilla and orange zest, these croissants offer a perfect balance of nutty richness and delicate sweetness. Baked until golden and topped with sliced pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar, they make an irresistible morning indulgence or elegant brunch item.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted shelled pistachios
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Croissants
- 4 all-butter croissants (day-old preferred)
Topping
- ¼ cup milk (for brushing)
- Sliced pistachios
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Make Pistachio Filling: In a food processor, pulse the pistachios until finely ground. Add almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt, pulsing to combine evenly. Then add vanilla extract, orange zest if using, egg, and softened butter, processing the mixture until it becomes a smooth, thick pistachio paste.
- Assemble Croissants: Slice each croissant horizontally, making sure to leave a hinge so they don’t cut all the way through. Gently open each croissant and spread a generous portion of the pistachio filling inside. Close them and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Final Touches Before Baking: Lightly brush the tops of croissants with milk for a glossy finish. Spread a small amount of the remaining pistachio filling on top of each croissant, then sprinkle with sliced pistachios for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and warmed through.
- Serve: Once baked, dust the croissants with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and an elegant look.
Notes
- Day-old croissants are ideal as they hold their shape better and absorb the filling without becoming soggy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For best texture, warm leftover croissants slightly in the oven before serving.
