Bear Claws Are My Favorite

One of my favorite foods is bear claws. They are pastries with an almond flavored filling. They are called bear claws because they resemble bear claws. Growing up the local grocery had them in the bakery. I often would get them on my way to school when I was in high school. Since then that grocery store was bought out by the other local grocery store, and they no longer have bear claws in the bakery. I also now live 30 minutes from there.
In the city I live in, there isn't a bakery that has them.  I have looked and looked hard.  Since I really like them, I would get one whenever we would go to a bigger city.  Some were terrible and some were fantastic.  Panera Bread has the best I've found.  But since we usually only go to the bigger city for our anniversary, I was only getting one once a year.  That just isn't enough for me.  I finally decided I would figure out how to make them myself.  It really wasn't that hard, although a little time consuming.  But totally worth it.  In fact, I wish I was making some now.  They're just so good.  Here's how I made them.

1 1/2 cups cold butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
5 cups all purpose flour, divided
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups half & half cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 egg white
1 3/4 cup powdered sugar, divided
1/2 cup almond paste
1 Tbsp water
granulated sugar
sliced almonds
1 1/2 Tbsp milk


In a bowl, toss butter with 3 cups flour until well coated; refrigerate.  In a large bowl, combine yeast and remaining flour.  In a sauce pan, heat cream, sugar, and salt to 120º - 130º.  Add to yeast mixture with 1 egg.  Beat until smooth.  Stir in butter mixture just until moistened.

Place dough onto a well floured surface; roll into a 21" x 12" rectangle.  Starting at the short side, fold dough in thirds, forming a 12"x7" rectangle.  Turn the dough a quarter turn and add more flour to the surface; roll into a 21"x12" rectangle.  Fold into thirds, starting with a short side.  Repeat, flouring surface as needed.  This is going to be rather messy.  Add lots and lots of flour as you go. (Do not chill dough between each rolling and folding)  Fold dough in half length wise.  Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours or until firm.

For filling, in a small bowl, beat egg white until foamy.  Gradually add 3/4 cup powdered sugar and almond paste.  Beat until smooth.
Cut dough in half width wise.  Roll each portion into a 12" square.  Cut each square into three 12"x4" strips.  Cut each strip in half. Spread about 1 Tbsp filling down the center of each strip. Fold length wise and seal edges and ends. Place on parchment lined baking sheets.

With scissors, cut folded edge about 1/2" deep 4 times to give you 5 sections to make it look like a bear claw.  Separate each cut slightly. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour.

After risen, lightly beat water and remaining egg white.  Brush over dough.  Sprinkle with sugar and almond slices.  Bake at 375º for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

While baking, mix remaining powdered sugar and milk to make icing. Add milk or powdered sugar to get the consistency you want.  Remove bear claws from pan and cool on wire racks.  When cooled, drizzle icing over bear claws.

Try not to devour all of them like I would.  What is your favorite food that you have a hard time finding?

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Adapted from Taste of Home.