Chocolate Croissants (Chocolate Bread)

Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate croissants, also known as pain au chocolat, are a delightful treat that brings a touch of French pastry magic to your kitchen. They are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. The combination of flaky pastry and rich chocolate makes them a favorite for many. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating yourself, making chocolate croissants at home can be a fun and rewarding baking experience.

How to Make Chocolate Croissants

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk, warm
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 egg, for egg wash

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In another bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Fold it into thirds to create layers.
6. Chill for another 30 minutes.
7. Roll out again, cut into triangles, and place chocolate on the wide end.
8. Roll up the triangles and curve them into a crescent shape.
9. Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and let rise for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

How to Serve Chocolate Croissants

Chocolate croissants are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also pair well with fruit or a smear of butter for extra indulgence.

How to Store Chocolate Croissants

To store your chocolate croissants, let them cool completely after baking. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to a month in the freezer.

Tips to Make Chocolate Croissants

• Use cold butter to create a flaky texture. The cold temperature helps in developing layers.
• Don’t skip the chilling time, as this is crucial for achieving the perfect puff in your croissants.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate or add nuts for a unique twist.

Variation

You can add almond paste or hazelnut spread as a filling instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead?
Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry for quicker preparation. Just cut, fill, and shape before baking.

2. How can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Shape and bake the next day.

3. What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the texture.

Chocolate Croissants

Delightful French pastry filled with rich chocolate, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: French

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Use cold butter for a flaky texture.
• ½ cup milk, warm
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• ½ tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped Experiment with different types of chocolate.
• 1 egg for egg wash To achieve a golden finish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In another bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Rolling and Shaping

1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Fold it into thirds to create layers.
2. Chill for another 30 minutes.
3. Roll out again, cut into triangles, and place chocolate on the wide end.
4. Roll up the triangles and curve them into a crescent shape.

Baking

1. Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and let rise for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Best served warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Use cold butter and don't skip chilling times for best results.