Costco Almond Croissant Recipe

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Driven by a blend of curiosity and craving during those times when a Costco run wasn’t on the schedule, I went on a culinary quest. My mission was clear yet ambitious: to recreate the magic of Costco Almond Croissants in my kitchen.

How to make Costco Almond Croissant

A Costco Almond Croissant is a type of pastry sold at Costco stores, typically in the bakery section. It’s a flaky, buttery croissant filled with almond cream or almond paste and topped with sliced almonds. The pastry is known for being indulgently sweet and having a rich, nutty flavor.

Ingredients

For the Croissant Dough:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 60g sugar
• 10g salt
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 20g fresh yeast (or 7g dried yeast)
• 140ml warm water
• 140ml milk
• 250g cold unsalted butter (for laminating)

For the Almond Cream Filling:

• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g powdered sugar
• 100g ground almonds
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp almond extract

For Finishing:

• 1 beaten egg, for egg wash
• Sliced almonds for topping
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Making the Croissant Dough:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. If using fresh yeast (or sprinkle if using dried yeast), crumble the yeast into the bowl, then add warm water and milk. Mix until combined.
2. Incorporate Butter: Add 100g of softened butter to the dough and knead for about 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with cling film and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. Lamination Process: Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Place the 250g of cold unsalted butter between two pieces of parchment paper and pound it with a rolling pin into a rectangle about two-thirds the size of your dough. Place the butter layer on the dough, and fold the dough like a letter (fold one-third over the middle, then the other third over that). Turn the dough 90 degrees and roll it out again into a rectangle. Fold it three times again. Chill the folded dough for about an hour, then repeat this roll and fold process two more times. After the final folding, refrigerate the dough overnight.

Preparing Almond Cream:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the ground almonds, egg, and almond extract and mix until well combined. Set aside.

Shaping and Baking:

1. Shape Croissants: Roll out the laminated dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut into large triangles. Spread a tablespoon of the almond cream on each triangle and roll the dough from the base towards the tip to form a croissant shape.
2. Proofing: Place shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover with a lightly damp cloth and let them rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
3. Preheat Oven and Apply Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the proofed croissants with beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the croissants cool slightly on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm for the best experience!

Tips for Success:

• Butter Temperature: It is critical to ensure your butter is cold during the lamination process. This keeps the layers distinct, leading to better flakiness.
• Do Not Rush the Proofing: Allow the croissants to proof thoroughly, as this ensures they are light and airy.
• Egg Wash: Be thorough but gentle with the egg wash, as this gives the croissants their golden shine.

What to serve with

Costco Almond Croissants are a decadent treat that can be served as a standalone snack or paired with a variety of accompaniments for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert.

Beverages

• Coffee: The classic companion to Costco Almond Croissant. A hot espresso or a cappuccino can cut through the sweetness with its bitterness and provide a warming contrast.
• Tea: A delicate Earl Grey or a robust English Breakfast tea can complement the almond flavors nicely.
• Hot Chocolate: For those with a sweet tooth or for younger guests, hot chocolate makes a rich and cozy pairing.
• Mimosas: If you’re enjoying your almond croissant during brunch, a mimosa made from chilled champagne and fresh orange juice can provide a refreshing and celebratory touch.

Fresh Fruits and Compotes

• Berries: A bowl of fresh mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds tanginess and freshness to balance the richness.
• Citrus Segments: Oranges or grapefruit segments can offer a juicy and slightly acidic contrast that cuts through the buttery layers.
• Apple or Pear Slices: Thin slices of apple or pear provide a nice, crisp texture and a fruity zest.
• Fruit Compotes or Jams: A side of fruit compote, like raspberry or apricot jam, can elevate the pastry with its sweetness and acidity.

Dairy

• Yogurt: A serving of plain, Greek, or flavored yogurt can add a creamy and tart element that pairs well with the Costco Almond Croissants.
• Cottage Cheese: For a healthier side, cottage cheese provides a neutral flavor and high protein content.

Savory Items

• Cheeses: A cheese plate with a selection of mild cheeses, such as brie, camembert, or goat cheese, can complement the buttery Costco Almond Croissants.
• Charcuterie: A selection of cured meats like prosciutto or salami adds a savory touch that contrasts nicely with the sweet almond filling.
• Eggs: A side of scrambled, poached, or soft-boiled eggs can make the croissant part of a more substantial breakfast or brunch.

Salads

• Light Greens: A simple salad with greens such as arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuces dressed in a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing and crisp contrast.
• Fruit Salad: A mixed fruit salad, lightly dressed with honey and lemon juice, provides a sweet and tangy complement.

Dessert Pairings

• Ice Cream or Gelato: A scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream alongside or on top of a warm almond croissant turns it into a delectable dessert.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a delightful creaminess.

Ingredients Substitutes

Costco Almond Croissants are known for their rich flavor and flaky texture. They have a generous filling of almond cream and a crunchy topping of sliced almonds. If you’re planning to make similar almond croissants at home, you might need to substitute some ingredients, either due to dietary restrictions or availability.

1. Flour

Standard Ingredient: All-purpose flour

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blends: For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is meant for baking.
• Whole Wheat Flour: To make a denser, fibre-rich croissant, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

2. Butter

Standard Ingredient: Unsalted butter

Substitutes:

• Margarine: For those avoiding dairy, a good quality baking margarine can work, though the flavor and texture might slightly differ.
• Vegan Butter: A high-quality vegan butter can replicate the richness required for laminating the dough.

3. Eggs

Standard Ingredient: Eggs are used in the dough and for the egg wash.

Substitutes:

• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be a vegan substitute. Three tablespoons of aquafaba can replace one egg.
• Flaxseed Meal: Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and use per egg required. This is ideal for the dough but less so for an egg wash.

4. Sugar

Standard Ingredient: Granulated sugar

Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: Can replace granulated sugar in a 1:1 ratio to add a caramel-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These can be used in the almond filling but might alter the moisture content, so adjustments might be necessary.

5. Almonds

Standard Ingredient: Almond flour/meal for the frangipane filling and sliced almonds for the topping

Substitutes:

• Other Nut Meals: Hazelnut or cashew meal can be used in place of almond meal for the frangipane but will change the flavor profile.
• Sunflower Seed Meal: Ground sunflower seeds can work as nut-free alternatives, though the flavor will be different.

6. Milk

Standard Ingredient: Milk is typically used in the dough and the frangipane.

Substitutes:

• Almond Milk: For a non-dairy option that enhances the almond flavor.
• Oat Milk: Another excellent non-dairy substitute that won’t overpower the flavors.

7. Almond Extract

Standard Ingredient: Almond extract in the filling

Substitutes:

• Vanilla Extract: While it won’t replicate the almond flavor, it will still add a sweet fragrance to the filling.
• Amaretto: If you’re already using almond meal but want a stronger taste, a splash can intensify the flavor.

Final Thoughts

When serving Costco Almond Croissants, keep in mind the richness of the pastry and aim to pair it with items that will round out the meal or snack without overwhelming the palate.

More Almond Recipes:

• Homemade Silk Almond Creamer Recipe