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Giant Gingerbread Almond Croissant

Giant Gingerbread Almond Croissant

The Giant Gingerbread Almond Croissant is a large, flaky pastry infused with warm gingerbread spices and a rich almond filling. Perfectly balancing festive spice notes and nutty richness, this buttery croissant delights with its golden crust and a crunchy almond topping. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this treat combines the comfort of gingerbread with the elegance of a classic croissant, making it a year-round favorite.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 giant croissant (serves 4-6) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Croissant Dough & Dough Components

  • Fresh or store-bought puff pastry dough (enough for a large croissant)
  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)

Almond Gingerbread Filling

  • 1 cup ground almonds (almond meal)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

Topping

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the almond gingerbread filling: In a bowl, combine ground almonds, brown sugar, melted butter, molasses, gingerbread spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), and almond extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
  2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll your puff pastry dough or croissant dough into a large rectangle to prepare it for filling.
  3. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the prepared almond gingerbread mixture over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to allow for sealing.
  4. Shape the croissant: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Optionally, coil the log into a large round croissant shape, or keep it as a log depending on your preference.
  5. Add toppings and egg wash: Brush the entire croissant surface with egg wash to achieve a glossy golden crust when baked. Then sprinkle the sliced almonds generously on top for crunch and visual appeal.
  6. Bake to perfection: Place the croissant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Keep your dough chilled before baking to maximize flakiness.
  • Spread the almond gingerbread filling evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Monitor baking time closely as ovens vary; avoid burning the spices or almonds.
  • Allow the croissant to rest briefly after baking to help the filling set, resulting in easier slicing.
  • Use fresh, high-quality spices for the most vibrant gingerbread flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian (gluten-free option available with gluten-free dough)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of croissant
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: gingerbread almond croissant, giant croissant, holiday pastry, almond filling, gingerbread spice, flaky croissant, festive pastry