Mom’s Almond Kringles are the ultimate holiday treat

It’s finally completed. My mom agreed to share with me her famous Almond Kringle recipe that she makes every Christmas morning for breakfast. Served warm from the oven with coffee, these almond kringle slices are one of my favorite foods to eat all year long. The aroma of almonds wafting from the oven is forever synonymous with a cozy holiday mood.

My mother is the one who taught me how to cook, but only through the informal experience of spending time together in the kitchen and simply watching her intuitively prepare simple, delicious dishes for our family. It was an education. But she’s always loved a standout baking project, and doesn’t shy away from towering layer cakes or made-from-scratch butter croissants worthy of a French bakery. I would put this almond bread in the latter category. It’s not complicated, but it has that “wow” factor that makes it feel special and worthy of being the centerpiece of a holiday brunch.

almond kringle ingredients

Mother’s Almond Kringle combines pantry staples like flour, sugar, and yeast with rich ingredients like heavy cream, butter, and almond paste to create beautifully flaky, flavorful pastries. The addition of warm spices, crunchy sliced ​​almonds and almond extract ensures a balanced and indulgent taste in every bite.

Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and makes the dough soft and fluffy. Use milk that is warm to the touch, not hot milk.

White sugar: Sweetens the dough and provides nutrients for the yeast to ferment properly.

Active Dry Yeast: Essential for fermenting kringle, creating its characteristic light and airy texture.

Fresh cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and creates a soft crumb.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and elasticity needed to hold the dough’s shape.

Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Butter: Makes the dough soft and flaky and adds richness to each bite.

Almond paste: This is the star ingredient in the filling, giving it a sweet almond flavor.

Sliced ​​Almonds: Add texture and nutty crunch to fillings and toppings.

Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice and beautifully complements the sweetness of almonds.

Almond Extract: Amplifies the flavor of almonds.

Egg whites: Gives a glossy finish and helps the sliced ​​almonds stick to the kringle.

Sliced ​​Almonds (Topping): Add a savory, crunchy contrast to the soft, flaky pastry.

Mom’s Tips for Almond Kringle Success

From my mom: “I like to mix the dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse the butter until it’s about the size of a small pea. I like to start by including a marble rolling pin or rolling board to keep the dough from sticking. It is especially important to chill everything beforehand.”

She says the rolling pin and marble board (pictured above) she uses to make the bread belonged to her paternal grandmother Mo, who bought them years ago so she could also make her mother’s almond kringle. It reminded me that it was given to me. A testament to true family tradition. When Mo passed away, my mother took it as her own, and it’s so wonderful to think of her every time I roll out the dough that my grandmother loved so much.

The recipe calls for making this bread into pretzel shapes, but my mom started making heart shapes a few years ago for family gatherings. I really like how it looks in the center of the table.

How to enjoy Almond Kringle

There’s something magical about enjoying a slice of almond kringle on a chilly Christmas morning. I love how the buttery layers and sweet almond filling pair perfectly with my favorite hot beverage. Whether you’re sipping coffee before stockings or enjoying a cup of rich hot cocoa while unwrapping a gift, this pastry will elevate the moment into a cozy ritual. Its delicate sweetness and nutty depth seem perfect for a quiet holiday morning.

To store leftovers: Store leftover kringle in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat your next slice, a quick rewarm in the oven brings back the grilled aroma and crispy texture. When shared with loved ones, this Almond Kringle becomes more than just a pastry, it becomes the centerpiece of your holiday morning.

Scroll to see the recipe. I’d love to hear what holiday traditions you celebrate in the comments!

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