Bear Claws

Bear Claws

Originating in the United States in the mid-1920s, these flaky puff pastries get their name from the oversized claw-like shape. As the dough rises, the sections separate, creating the “claws,” which conceal a homemade, almond flour-based marzipan filling.

5.0 from 2 reviews
Bear Claws
 
Makes 12 bear claws
Ingredients
  • 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups (567 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 teaspoons (6 grams) kosher salt
  • ¾ cup (180 grams) cold water
  • 1 large egg (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) whole milk
  • Marzipan Filling (recipe follows)
  • ½ cup (57 grams) sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons (24 grams) turbinado sugar
Instructions
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat flour, cold butter, and salt at low speed just until butter is coated with flour, about 30 seconds. With mixer on running , add ¾ cup (180 grams) cold water in a slow, steady stream just until dough comes together, about 1 minute. (There will still be large pieces of butter.) Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into an 18x11-inch rectangle. Fold dough into thirds, like a letter. Rotate 90 degrees; roll into an 18x11-inch rectangle, and fold into thirds. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of dough into a 16x11½-inch rectangle. Trim edges of dough so rectangle is 15x11 inches. Cut rectangle in half lengthwise; cut each half of rectangle into 3 (5½x5-inch) rectangles. Repeat with remaining dough.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
  6. Place Marzipan Filling in a pastry bag; pipe into center of each rectangle. Brush edges with egg wash, and fold dough over filling, pressing edges to seal. Trim edges with a pizza wheel to further seal. Using a sharp knife, make 4 cuts on sealed edge of dough, being careful not to cut through to filling. Transfer to prepared pans, gently curving to spread out cuts. Freeze for 10 minutes.
  7. Brush tops of dough with egg mixture; sprinkle with almonds and turbinado sugar.
  8. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Bear Claws can be prepared days in advance and frozen until ready to bake.

Note: If the Marizpan Filling is too thick and hard to pipe, use a small paring knife to cut the filling loose from the piping bag.

5.0 from 2 reviews
Marzipan Filling
 
Makes about 1½ cups
Ingredients
  • 2 cups (240 grams) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 cups (192 grams) almond flour
  • 2½ tablespoons (35 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) amaretto
  • 1 large egg white (30 grams)
  • 1½ teaspoons (6 grams) almond extract
Instructions
  1. In the work bowl of a food processor, place confectioners’ sugar and almond flour; process until combined. Add butter and all remaining ingredients; process until mixture comes together. (Mixture will be softer than a typical marzipan.) Use immediately.

 

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16 COMMENTS

    • Hey Alyssa,

      Yes, you can leave out the amaretto, but consider adding in some moisture (trading two tablespoons water for the 2 tablespoons amaretto) just in case this makes your Marzipan a little dry.

  1. Can I substitute Almond Paste for the Marzipan filling and proceed as written?
    I want to try this recipe this weekend.
    We love Bear Claws and this recipe sounds great.
    Thank you,
    Nancy

    • Hi Nancy,

      We have not tested almond paste in this recipe. Almond paste would be much thicker than the marzipan filling, so you would not need to pipe it. Happy baking!

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