Chocolate-filled croissants, also known as pain au chocolat, are a delightful French pastry featuring flaky, buttery layers wrapped around a rich chocolate filling. These pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, flaky texture with a rich chocolate center
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat
- A homemade alternative to bakery croissants
- Can be made ahead and reheated for convenience
- Customizable with different types of chocolate
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Whole milk
- Salt
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars
- Egg (for egg wash)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Gradually mix in the flour and salt, then knead until smooth.
- Laminating the Dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle and layer it with butter. Fold and chill, repeating this step multiple times to create flaky layers.
- Cut and Shape: Roll out the dough and cut it into rectangles. Place a chocolate bar in the center of each rectangle and roll it tightly to enclose the filling.
- Proof the Croissants: Arrange them on a baking sheet and let them rise until doubled in size.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 croissants
- Prep Time: 2 hours (including resting time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even hazelnut spread for a unique twist.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle crushed almonds or hazelnuts inside for added texture.
- Glaze Options: Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based butter and milk substitutes for a vegan version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked croissants for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I get the perfect flaky texture?
Ensure the butter remains cold during the lamination process and chill the dough as needed.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry can be a shortcut for a quicker version.
What type of chocolate works best?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars are ideal as they hold their shape while melting inside.
Why are my croissants not rising properly?
Check that your yeast is active and that you proof the croissants in a warm, draft-free environment.
Can I prepare them the night before and bake in the morning?
Yes, you can shape the croissants, refrigerate them overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
How can I make them sweeter?
Increase the sugar slightly in the dough or use milk chocolate for a sweeter filling.
Do I need special equipment to make these?
A rolling pin and a sharp knife or pizza cutter are essential. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be helpful.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes, small amounts of raspberry jam or sliced bananas pair well with the chocolate.
How do I prevent the chocolate from leaking out?
Seal the edges well and roll the dough tightly around the chocolate bar.
What is the best way to serve chocolate-filled croissants?
Serve them slightly warm with coffee or hot chocolate for a classic pairing.
Conclusion
Chocolate-filled croissants are a decadent homemade treat that brings the flavors of a French bakery into your kitchen. With their crispy layers and luscious chocolate filling, they are perfect for breakfast or a special indulgence. Whether made from scratch or using a shortcut, these croissants will impress anyone who tries them.
Print
These Chocolate-Filled Croissants are buttery, flaky, and stuffed with rich chocolate. A perfect breakfast or dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 croissants 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut puff pastry into 6 triangles.
-
Fill and Roll:
- Place chocolate on the wider end of each triangle.
- Roll up tightly into a croissant shape.
-
Bake:
- Mix egg and milk for an egg wash and brush over croissants.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate.
Notes
- Use Nutella for a creamier filling.
- Let croissants cool slightly before serving.