Homemade Chocolate Croissants

Name: Homemade Chocolate Croissants
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast; 1 1/4 cups cold whole milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 16 chocolate batons or high-quality semi-sweet chocolate

Published: November 7, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of buttery pastry and rich chocolate creates an irresistible flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—these croissants fit right in.
Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like nuts or other types of chocolate.
Impressive Presentation: Homemade croissants look stunning on any table, making them great for gatherings.
Satisfying Baking Experience: The process is rewarding; watching the dough transform into golden croissants is fulfilling.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Homemade Chocolate Croissants, you’ll need some essential tools. Gather these items before you start for a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Rolling pin
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: It makes kneading the dough easier and ensures a consistent texture.
Rolling pin: A good rolling pin helps achieve the perfect thickness for your pastry layers.
Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Parchment paper: This keeps your croissants from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

Flaky, buttery homemade chocolate croissants filled with rich melted chocolate. A bakery-level treat you can make at home with patience and love.

For the Dough:

4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
1 1/4 cups (300ml) cold whole milk

For the Butter Layer:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

16 chocolate batons or 8 oz high-quality semi-sweet chocolate, cut into bars

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg
1 tbsp milk

Optional:

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Croissants

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Slowly add cold milk and knead with a dough hook for 5 minutes until soft but slightly tacky. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Butter Layer

For the butter layer, beat softened butter and flour until smooth. Shape into a 7×10-inch rectangle and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Encase the Butter

Roll out the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Place the chilled butter layer in the center and fold the dough over it to encase the butter. Seal edges tightly.

Step 4: Create Layers Through Folding

Roll the dough into a 10×20-inch rectangle and fold lengthwise into thirds. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this folding process two more times for a total of three turns.

Step 5: Chill Before Shaping

After the final fold, refrigerate the dough for 4 hours or overnight to ensure it remains cold.

Step 6: Shape the Croissants

Roll out the chilled dough into an 8×20-inch rectangle. Cut into sixteen 2×5-inch rectangles. Gently stretch each piece to 8 inches long, add a chocolate baton at one end, and roll tightly with seam-side down.

Step 7: Proofing Time

Arrange croissants on lined baking sheets. Cover loosely and proof at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for another hour.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Whisk together egg and milk for the egg wash and brush it over each croissant.

Step 9: Bake

Bake croissants for about 20 minutes while rotating pans halfway through for even cooking. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar if desired.

Enjoy your freshly baked Homemade Chocolate Croissants, perfect with coffee or tea!

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Croissants

Homemade chocolate croissants are a delightful pastry that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these flaky treats can be served with different accompaniments to enhance their rich chocolate flavor.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

Strawberries – Their sweetness complements the chocolate perfectly.
Berries – A mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a tart contrast.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

Espresso – The boldness of espresso pairs well with the buttery croissants.
Herbal tea – A light herbal tea can balance the richness of the pastry.

Add a Sweet Dip

Chocolate sauce – For an extra treat, serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
Hazelnut spread – Spread some hazelnut spread on top for additional flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Chocolate Croissants

To achieve bakery-level homemade chocolate croissants, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to help you get the best results.

Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and milk help create a flaky texture when baking.
Knead gently: Over-kneading can make the dough tough. Aim for a soft, slightly tacky consistency.
Chill between folds: Refrigerating the dough between turns allows the layers to firm up and makes rolling easier.
Don’t rush proofing: Allow enough time for the croissants to rise properly; this enhances their fluffiness.
Brush egg wash evenly: A good egg wash gives your croissants a beautiful golden finish.
Rotate baking sheets: Rotating halfway through baking ensures even cooking and browning.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chocolate Croissants

Pairing side dishes with your homemade chocolate croissants can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Fruit Salad – A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your plate.
Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.
Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds complements the rich pastry well.
Scrambled Eggs – Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness.
Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with vegetables offers a healthy contrast to the buttery croissant.
Chia Seed Pudding – This creamy dessert can be made in advance and provides a nutritious pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade chocolate croissants can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your success.

Not chilling the dough enough: Insufficient chilling leads to poor lamination. Always chill the dough and butter layer as specified in the recipe.
Skipping the folds: Failing to complete all folds can result in dense croissants. Follow each folding step carefully for the best results.
Using low-quality chocolate: Poor chocolate affects flavor. Choose high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for a rich filling.
Ignoring proofing times: Under-proofed croissants won’t rise properly. Allow sufficient time for proofing at room temperature before baking.
Overbaking: Croissants can burn easily if left too long in the oven. Keep an eye on them, aiming for a golden brown finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store croissants in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Chocolate Croissants

Wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Chocolate Croissants

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, but this may make them soft rather than flaky.
Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making homemade chocolate croissants.

How do I ensure my Homemade Chocolate Croissants are flaky?

To achieve flakiness, make sure to follow the folding technique and keep everything cold throughout the process.

Can I use other types of chocolate in my Homemade Chocolate Croissants?

Yes! You can experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.

What is the best way to store my Homemade Chocolate Croissants?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to three days for optimal freshness.

How long does it take to make Homemade Chocolate Croissants?

The total time is approximately 13 hours and 10 minutes due to resting and chilling periods.

Can I prepare Homemade Chocolate Croissants ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough and fill the croissants ahead of time and freeze them until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Homemade chocolate croissants blend rich flavors with flaky layers, making them an irresistible treat. This recipe offers versatility; you can customize your fillings with nuts or different chocolates. Don’t hesitate—try making these delightful pastries today!

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