Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies with Frangipane

Oh, the magic of a fresh-baked treat! There’s something truly special about the way a kitchen fills with warmth and the sweet scent of baking. Today, I’m so excited to share a recipe that brings all that joy right to your home: these delightful Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies. Imagine the flaky, buttery goodness of a croissant, transformed into a tender, chewy cookie, complete with that irresistible almond frangipane filling. It’s pure comfort in every bite.

I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her hands work wonders with flour and butter. It was there, amidst the clinking of mixing bowls and the smell of vanilla, that my love for baking truly blossomed. This recipe, like so many others on recipesdessert.net, is a testament to those cherished memories, refined through years of joyful experimentation to bring you something truly extraordinary.

These cookies are a dream come true for anyone seeking a gluten-free indulgence, offering both ease of preparation and a sophisticated flavor profile perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. My top tip for success? Always measure your ingredients with love and precision—it makes all the difference in achieving that perfect texture!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful cookies requires just a few simple, yet essential, ingredients. We’re talking about a lovely gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to give us that perfect tender crumb, rich unsalted butter for incredible flavor, and, of course, that wonderful almond flour that truly defines the Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies experience. I always recommend using a good quality vanilla extract for a deeper, more aromatic finish. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies

Creating these cookies is a three-step journey to deliciousness, much like composing a sweet symphony! First, we’ll prepare the tender gluten-free cookie dough, allowing it to chill so it’s easy to work with. Next, the luscious almond frangipane filling comes together—it’s truly the heart of these amazing Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies. Finally, we’ll assemble and bake them until golden brown and utterly irresistible.

Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies

Enjoy the delicate flavors of an almond croissant in a convenient cookie form, without the gluten. These crispy-chewy cookies feature a buttery gluten-free shortbread-like base, a rich almond frangipane filling, and a delightful crunchy almond topping.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: European, French

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Gluten-Free Cookie Dough

• 140 g gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum, or add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if not included
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Almond Frangipane Filling

• 1/2 cup almond flour finely ground
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter 56g, room temperature
• 1/2 large egg whisk 1 egg and use half
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

For Assembly and Topping

• 1 large egg white for egg wash
• 1 tbsp water for egg wash
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Rubber Spatula
• Rolling Pin
• 2.5-inch round cookie cutter
• Piping bag with a small round tip (or Ziploc bag)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

Prepare the Gluten-Free Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl with a paddle attachment (or by hand), cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Gather the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to firm up.

Prepare the Almond Frangipane Filling

1. While the dough chills, prepare the frangipane. In a medium bowl, cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in the almond flour, half an egg (whisk a whole egg and use half), and almond extract until well combined.
3. Mix in the tablespoon of gluten-free flour until the frangipane is smooth and lump-free. Transfer the frangipane to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (or snip a small corner off a Ziploc bag). Set aside at room temperature.

Assemble and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface (using gluten-free flour), roll out the chilled cookie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Carefully transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Re-roll scraps as needed.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water to create an egg wash.
4. Brush the surface of each cookie round with a thin layer of egg wash. This helps the frangipane adhere and gives a nice golden color.
5. Pipe a small dollop (about 1.5 – 2 teaspoons) of almond frangipane onto the center of each cookie, leaving a small border around the edge.
6. Sprinkle a few sliced almonds over the frangipane on each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the frangipane is set and slightly puffed. The exact time may vary by oven.
8. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once completely cooled, lightly dust the Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For best texture, enjoy within the first two days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving. Ensure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, or add it separately, for optimal texture and to prevent crumbling.

Pro Tips for Making This Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies

Over the years, I’ve gathered a few tricks up my sleeve that make baking these Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies an absolute breeze and guarantee a perfect outcome every time.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure my unsalted butter is at the perfect room temperature, not too soft and not too cold, for both the cookie dough and the frangipane. This ensures a beautifully smooth mixture and prevents any lumps, giving your cookies an even texture.

When preparing the gluten-free cookie dough, don’t overmix! Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough. I always do this to maintain that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

For the frangipane filling, ensure all your ingredients are well incorporated, but again, avoid over-beating. A light, fluffy frangipane will bake up beautifully and provide that iconic almond flavor.

Here’s what works best for me: after shaping, chill the assembled cookies for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading, ensuring those lovely croissant-like layers remain defined.

Fun Variations for Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies

One of the joys of home baking is getting to play with flavors and make a recipe truly your own! These Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies are wonderfully versatile.

My sister always asks me to swirl a bit of raspberry jam into the frangipane before assembling. The tartness of the berries with the sweet almond is absolutely divine!

Citrus Zest Twist

For a brighter note, try adding a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to your almond frangipane filling. It adds a lovely aromatic lift that complements the almond beautifully. A friend loves when I do this for her tea parties.

Chocolate Drizzle Delight

After the cookies have cooled completely, melt some good quality dark chocolate and drizzle it artfully over the tops. The combination of almond and chocolate is a classic for a reason!

Nutty Topping Swap

While sliced almonds are traditional, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or hazelnuts on top before baking for a different nutty texture and flavor profile.

What to Serve With Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies

These delightful Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies are a treat all on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right accompaniment, turning a simple cookie into a memorable moment.

I love serving them with a hot cup of black coffee or a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea. The slight bitterness of the coffee or the floral notes of the tea create a wonderful balance with the sweet almond frangipane.

For a decadent dessert, my mom always pairs these with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream is a perfect contrast to the tender, baked cookie.

A simple bowl of fresh mixed berries—strawberries, raspberries, blueberries—provides a refreshing, slightly tart counterpoint to the richness of the cookies. It’s a quick serving idea that always looks elegant.

You could also offer a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, making them look even more appealing, especially if you’re presenting them on a dessert platter.

How to Store Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies

Keeping your freshly baked Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies delicious for as long as possible is key, and I have a few simple tips to help.

Room Temperature Storage

Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. This keeps them wonderfully fresh and tender.

Freezer Friendly Tips

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. My personal tip is to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating for Freshness

To enjoy that “fresh from the oven” taste, you can gently warm the thawed or room-temperature cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. A light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating brings them back to life and enhances their visual appeal!

Nutritional Benefits

While undoubtedly a delightful indulgence, these Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies offer some lovely nutritional highlights, too. Almond flour provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, while the eggs contribute essential vitamins. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, proving that wholesome ingredients can indeed be part of a truly magical dessert experience.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gluten-free cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies quick and easy when you’re ready to bake.

Faq 2

What if I don’t have almond extract?
While almond extract enhances the classic flavor of Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a more subtle, vanilla-forward taste. The cookies will still be delicious!

Faq 3

Can I use a different gluten-free flour?
For the best results with these Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies, I highly recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Other blends might alter the texture, so consistency is key here.

Faq 4

How can I tell when the frangipane is cooked through?
The almond frangipane filling in your Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies will puff up slightly and turn a beautiful golden brown. Gently press on it; if it springs back, it’s ready!

Conclusion

There you have it, my sweet friends – a recipe for Gluten Free Almond Croissant Cookies that promises to fill your home with warmth and your heart with joy. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an invitation to create, to share, and to savor those precious moments around the kitchen table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I truly hope you’ll embrace the magic of making these at home. Remember, with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can become magical treats that bring people together and create lasting memories. Happy baking!