If you're part of any Costco Facebook groups, you've probably noticed it too - the endless stream of excited posts, the close-up photos, and the comments filled with heart-eye emojis.
"These are a definite YES!" one member wrote. "OMG yum!" echoed another. The buzz was impossible to ignore, and I found myself hoping our local warehouse would have them in stock.
On a chilly January morning, I headed to the Orland Park Costco, armed with my usual shopping list of household essentials. As I navigated my cart through the familiar aisles, I made my routine stop at the bakery section.
That's when I spotted them - exactly as pictured in all those social media posts that had been tempting me for days. I almost let out an excited yelp right there in the store.
What could cause such excitement among seasoned Costco shoppers who've seen everything from the famous butter croissants to the legendary apple pie?
The answer: Kirkland Signature's new Almond Croissant Pastries. At $11.99 for six generously-sized pieces (just $2 each!), these aren't your ordinary almond croissants.
A Classic French Pastry Gets the Costco Treatment
Let's talk about what makes these pastries so special. The almond croissant, or 'croissant aux amandes,' is a beloved French pastry that traditionally began as a way to give day-old croissants a second life.
Sliced, filled with rich almond cream (frangipane), and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, these treats transformed simple butter croissants into something magical.
Taking on such a classic recipe is no small feat. French bakeries have spent generations perfecting their versions, and pastry enthusiasts can be particularly discerning about their almond croissants.
That's what makes Costco's version so impressive - they've managed to capture the essence of this beloved pastry while making it accessible to everyone.
What's Inside? The Ingredients Behind the Magic
For those curious about what goes into these treats (or watching out for allergens), here's what you'll find in each pastry:
The base is an enriched flour croissant, combining wheat flour with essential nutrients like niacin, iron, and thiamin. The rich, buttery texture comes from real butter (cream and/or milk), and the gorgeous golden color is achieved with whole eggs.
The almond flavor isn't just from the sliced almonds on top - there's almond flour in the mix too, creating that authentic taste you'd expect from a high-end bakery.
Allergy Note: These do contain wheat, eggs, milk, and tree nuts (almonds). They're produced on equipment that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame.
The Perfect Winter Find
Each pastry is a work of art - a flaky, buttery croissant filled with almond paste, topped with sliced almonds, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. The pastries are substantial (the whole box weighs 34 ounces - that's over 2 pounds!), making them perfect for sharing... or not. 😉
What makes these special? It's the balance. The croissant itself is perfectly baked - not over-done like some bakery items can be. The almond filling is generous but not overwhelming, and as one Costco fan in the groups noted, "Soft, not too sweet, and the filling is DIVINE."
Pro Tips from a New Fan
Here's what I've learned from my almond croissant adventure:
- These freeze beautifully! I've cut mine in half before freezing, which makes it easy to grab a perfect portion whenever the craving hits.
- The air fryer is your friend. A quick 2-minute warm-up at 325°F brings back that fresh-from-the-bakery texture. (Thanks to the Costco fan groups for this genius tip!)
- They're versatile enough for any time of day. While perfect with your morning coffee, they're equally delightful as a dessert. One reviewer even suggested spreading a little Nutella inside for an extra-indulgent treat.
The Expert Opinion
I couldn't keep these to myself, so I shared them with my friend who's a professional chef. Her verdict?
Two enthusiastic thumbs up for the quality, especially given the price point. At about $2 per pastry, these rival what you'd find in high-end bakeries for three times the price.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're a dedicated Costco fan or just someone who appreciates a good pastry, these almond croissants are worth seeking out. They're ideal for weekend brunches, special breakfasts, or anytime you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Just remember - at this price point and with this much buzz, don't be surprised if you have to make a few trips to find them. But trust me, they're worth the hunt! 🥐✨
Pro tip: Check the "sell by" date and plan accordingly. These are best enjoyed within a few days unless you're planning to freeze them. And if you do freeze them? They'll be ready whenever you need a perfectly flaky, almond-filled moment of joy.