Almond paste filled croissants

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup almond meal
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
1 large egg
Powdered sugar
Sliced toasted almonds
Equipment
Baking sheet
Parchment
Bread knife
Food processor or blender
Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F: Line a baking sheet with parchment or a nonstick baking mat and gather your ingredients.
2. Cut the croissants in half: Slice each croissant in half with a serrated bread knife to make a top and a bottom, like a sandwich. Be sure to slice evenly so that the halves are flat and not angled.
3. Make the filling: Combine the sugar, almond meal, vanilla, butter, and egg in a food processor or blender, and blend until creamy.
4. Fill the croissants: Lay the bottom halves of the croissants on the baking sheet. Divide the filling between them and spread it out in an even layer. Place the tops on the croissants.
5. Bake for 18 minutes: Place the tray with the croissants in the oven and bake for about 18 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer gooey.
6. Cool the croissants for a few minutes: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and let the croissants sit for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle.
7. Dust with powdered sugar and serve: Put a few spoonfuls of powdered sugar in a strainer and sift over the tops of the croissants. Finish with a few sliced almonds and serve while the croissants are warm.