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
Scale
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.
