The flaky, golden exterior of these Matcha Almond Croissants gives way to a rich almond filling infused with the earthy bitterness of matcha. The balance between sweet and grassy flavors creates a one-of-a-kind pastry perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Inspired by classic French almond croissants, this version brings a Japanese twist using ceremonial-grade matcha. These pastries are not only eye-catching with their green accents but also make a decadent treat for tea lovers and pastry aficionados alike. Whether served alongside a cup of hot matcha or enjoyed as a dessert, they deliver delicate layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Almond Filling:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 cup almond flour
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp almond extract
For the Matcha Syrup:
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½ cup water
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp matcha powder
For Assembly:
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6 day-old croissants
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2 tbsp matcha powder (for dusting)
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¼ cup sliced almonds
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
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Prepare Almond Filling: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add almond flour, eggs, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
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Make Matcha Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, and matcha powder. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Assemble Croissants: Slice croissants in half horizontally without cutting all the way through. Brush the inside of each croissant with matcha syrup. Spread a generous spoonful of almond filling inside. Close the croissant and spread more almond filling on top.
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Top and Bake: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the tops of the croissants. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
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Dust and Serve: Once cooled slightly, dust with matcha powder and powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Beauty of Matcha Almond Croissants
Matcha almond croissants are the ultimate fusion of French pastry elegance and Japanese tea ceremony tradition. They take everything you love about a classic almond croissant—flaky, buttery layers, a sweet nutty filling—and elevate it with the earthy, umami-rich flavor of matcha green tea. The result is a visually striking, flavor-packed pastry that appeals to both dessert lovers and matcha connoisseurs alike.
These croissants are especially perfect for those who love unique, high-contrast flavor profiles. The bitterness of matcha perfectly cuts through the rich sweetness of the almond frangipane, while the crisp, buttery croissant shell provides the ideal base for a luxurious, textural experience. They are decadent yet balanced, indulgent yet refined—a true pastry that bridges cultures and taste preferences.
What Makes These Croissants Special
The standout element in these croissants is undoubtedly the matcha. Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, brings a naturally vibrant green color and a uniquely earthy flavor. When paired with almond frangipane, a rich cream made with butter, sugar, eggs, and ground almonds, the combination is both bold and harmonious.
Unlike typical croissants that are served plain or with jam, these are filled and topped with almond cream, making them satisfyingly rich and almost cake-like in the center. The added element of matcha syrup not only moistens the croissants (especially useful if you’re using day-old ones) but also adds another layer of matcha flavor to the overall profile.
The Secret to Using Day-Old Croissants
One of the most charming aspects of this recipe is that it revitalizes day-old croissants, transforming what would otherwise be stale into something extraordinary. Day-old croissants have a firmer structure, which makes them ideal for absorbing the matcha syrup without falling apart. They also hold their shape better during baking, creating a crispy exterior and soft, flavor-packed interior.
This method is not only a nod to traditional French patisserie practices—where almond croissants are often made from unsold pastries from the day before—but it’s also a great way to reduce food waste and make the most out of every baked good in your kitchen.
Cultural Fusion on a Plate
The matcha almond croissant embodies the beautiful harmony between Japanese and French culinary traditions. France is celebrated for its refined, buttery pastries, while Japan is renowned for its precision and appreciation of subtle, natural flavors like matcha. Bringing them together in this recipe pays homage to both traditions, and results in a modern pastry that feels innovative and nostalgic all at once.
This dish can be seen as a modern answer to global palates. As matcha continues to rise in popularity across the world, from lattes to ice cream and beyond, pairing it with something as beloved as a croissant makes it more accessible and appealing to broader audiences. It’s a pastry that’s not just about flavor—it’s about storytelling, culinary craftsmanship, and cultural appreciation.
Best Occasions to Serve Matcha Almond Croissants
These croissants are incredibly versatile when it comes to when and where you serve them. They make an impressive addition to brunch spreads, especially when you’re aiming to impress guests with something unique and artisan. They’re also perfect for tea parties, bridal showers, or as a luxurious mid-morning snack alongside your favorite coffee or matcha latte.
You can also prepare them in advance, making them ideal for weekend meal prep. Bake a batch, store them in an airtight container, and reheat gently in the oven for a warm and fragrant treat any day of the week. They also make for a beautiful handmade gift, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, for friends who appreciate good food.
Tips for Working with Matcha in Baking
Matcha can be a tricky ingredient for first-time users. It’s important to use high-quality culinary-grade matcha to ensure the flavor is neither too bitter nor too dull. The vibrancy of the color is also a good indicator—bright green means it’s fresh and packed with flavor.
Because matcha is sensitive to heat and light, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. When incorporating it into baked goods, sift it first to prevent clumping, and always taste the batter or syrup to make sure the flavor intensity is to your liking.
Don’t forget, matcha pairs well with a variety of other flavors beyond almond. You can also experiment with white chocolate, yuzu, raspberry, or coconut to create your own signature matcha croissant variation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is such a winner. The crunch of the croissant’s edges contrasts beautifully with the creamy almond matcha center. The sweetness is just right—not overpowering—allowing the complexity of the matcha to shine through. A final dusting of powdered sugar and matcha powder gives the pastry a luxurious finish, making it just as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
This recipe is also simple to follow, especially since it makes use of pre-baked croissants. It takes less time than you’d expect and yields bakery-quality results in your home kitchen. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, the combination of easy assembly and impressive outcome makes this recipe highly approachable.
Storage and Reheating Advice
Once baked, these croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This will revive the outer crispness without drying out the inside.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the layers of the croissant and make them chewy instead of crisp. If freezing, wrap each croissant individually and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight and reheat as instructed above.
Conclusion
Matcha almond croissants are more than just a pastry—they are an experience. They bring together global flavors, clever baking techniques, and an undeniable visual charm. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these croissants are sure to leave a lasting impression.
With minimal effort, you get maximum elegance, rich layers of flavor, and a story that bridges two of the world’s most beloved culinary traditions. So go ahead—brew your favorite tea or coffee, dust off your baking tray, and create a batch of these unforgettable matcha almond croissants.
Let your kitchen smell like a French bakery with a touch of Japanese serenity.