Bear Claw Almond Pastries

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet almond paste and shaped like bear claws, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers puff pastry, almond paste, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 French cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the thawed puff pastry sheet to 12x8 inches on a floured surface.
  2. Step 2: Cut the pastry into 6 equal rectangles (4x2 inches), then cut each rectangle diagonally into triangles.
  3. Step 3: Place 1 tablespoon of almond paste at the wide end of each triangle, fold the two corners over the filling to form a claw shape, and pinch the seams to seal tightly.
  4. Step 4: Place the shaped pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with 1 beaten egg, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed, then dust with 1/4 cup powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bear Claw Almond Pastries take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Bear Claw Almond Pastries?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bear Claw Almond Pastries?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bear Claw Almond Pastries for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bear Claw Almond Pastries?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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