MealsEmma Chan

Chocolate Hazelnut Croissants by Dimi

MealsEmma Chan
Chocolate Hazelnut Croissants by Dimi

“I’m absolutely obsessed with the chocolate hazelnut croissant from AP Bakery! Every time I’m in Sydney, it’s a must-have. As a little tribute to this incredible pastry, I decided to recreate my own version—and I’m thrilled with the result! This recipe is definitely going on repeat in my home café. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family!”

Our latest recipe from Dimi Jayawardene, featuring our Smeg Benchtop Combi-Steam Oven and Stand Mixer, both in Cream. For more delicious recipes follow Dimi on Instagram @celebratebydimi

Makes: 8 croissants
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

Croissants

  • 8 slightly stale croissants

Hazelnut Frangipane:

  • 180g (1 ¾ cups) hazelnut meal

  • 100g (½ cup) caster sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp almond essence

  • 2 eggs

  • 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened.

  • 1/3 cup plain flour

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp mixed spice

  • Pinch of salt

  • ½ cup crumbled hazelnuts (whole hazelnuts blitzed in a food processor) optional

·         100g dark chocolate, chopped. (Or more if needed)

  • Nutella spread.

Syrup:

  • 125ml (½ cup) water

  • 100g (½ cup) sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1 tsp almond essence

  • 2 tbsp hazelnut meal

Extras:

  • ½ cup flaked almonds

  • Icing sugar, for dusting

Method:

Make the Syrup

1.  In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and hazelnut meal.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.

Prepare the Filling

4. In a stand mixer, combine the hazelnut meal, sugar, vanilla extract, almond essence, eggs, softened butter, and salt.

5. Mix until a smooth paste forms, stopping halfway to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix again until all combined.

Assemble the Croissants

6. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

7.  Slice each croissant in half and brush both sides generously with the syrup.

8. Pipe or spread a layer of the hazelnut filling onto the bottom half of each croissant.

9. Add a generous sprinkling of dark chocolate and a generous dollop of Nutella.

10. Sprinkle with the crumbled hazelnuts if using.

11. Place the top half of the croissant back on and spread a little more hazelnut filling on top.

12. Gently press the flaked almonds onto the hazelnut filling.

Bake & Serve

13. Place the croissants on a lined baking tray.

14. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

15. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

16. Dust with icing sugar and drizzle with extra Nutella.

Enjoy these decadent chocolate hazelnut croissants with your favourite coffee or tea!