There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked, buttery, flaky chocolate croissant (Pain au Chocolat) straight from the oven. These homemade chocolate croissants are filled with rich, melted chocolate, wrapped in delicate layers of golden, crisp pastry, and taste just like a Parisian bakery classic!
While making croissants from scratch requires some patience, the buttery, flaky layers and gooey chocolate center are worth every step. Let’s bake up some magic! 🥐🍫✨
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chocolate Croissants
- Ultra Buttery & Flaky – Layers of golden, crispy perfection!
- Rich, Melted Chocolate Inside – A decadent chocolate filling in every bite.
- Authentic Bakery-Style Pastry – Just like a Parisian café, but homemade!
- Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch – A special treat for weekends or holidays.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the dough ahead and bake fresh in the morning!
What Do Homemade Chocolate Croissants Taste Like?
These Chocolate Croissants (Pain au Chocolat) are light, airy, and crispy on the outside, while the inside is buttery, soft, and filled with gooey, melted chocolate. Each bite has a perfect balance of crunch, flakiness, and rich chocolate flavor!
Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Croissants
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Butter Layer (Lamination):
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 4 oz (115g) high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate bars (cut into small sticks)
- OR ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No Instant Yeast? – Use active dry yeast (just let it proof in warm milk for 5 minutes first).
- Dairy-Free? – Use vegan butter and almond or oat milk.
- Extra Flaky Croissants? – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough for a lighter texture.
- Sweeter Filling? – Mix chocolate with a little Nutella before rolling!
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Croissants
1. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead in softened butter until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Butter Layer (Lamination)
- Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Roll it into a 7×7-inch square, about ¼ inch thick.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Roll & Fold the Dough (Lamination Process)
- Roll the dough into a 10×10-inch square.
- Place the butter layer in the center and fold the edges over like an envelope.
- Roll into a 10×20-inch rectangle, then fold into thirds.
- Chill for 30 minutes, then repeat this rolling and folding step 2 more times.
💡 Why Laminate the Dough? This process creates the buttery, flaky layers in the croissants!
4. Shape the Croissants
- Roll out the chilled dough into a 10×16-inch rectangle.
- Cut into 8 rectangles (each about 4 inches wide).
- Place chocolate sticks or chips near one edge of each rectangle.
- Roll up tightly, keeping the seam underneath.
5. Proof the Croissants
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Cover lightly and let rise for 1-2 hours, until puffy.
6. Bake Until Golden & Flaky
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush croissants with egg wash (beaten egg + milk).
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until deep golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
💡 Pro Tip: If the croissants brown too fast, loosely cover with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.
- Enjoy them plain, or with a drizzle of melted chocolate!
Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Chocolate Croissants
- Use High-Quality Butter – The richer the butter, the better the croissants!
- Chill Between Each Step – This helps create flaky layers.
- Don’t Overfill with Chocolate – Too much can leak out during baking.
- Make-Ahead Tip – Shape the croissants, then refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning!
What to Serve with Chocolate Croissants
- Café au Lait or Espresso – A classic French pairing!
- Fresh Fruit – Strawberries, raspberries, or orange slices complement the flavors.
- Whipped Cream or Nutella – A decadent dip for extra indulgence.
How to Store & Reheat Croissants
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked croissants for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheat: Warm in an oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-from-the-bakery taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes! Use store-bought puff pastry to skip the lamination process. Just cut, fill, and bake!
2. What’s the best chocolate for croissants?
Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) melts beautifully and balances the sweetness of the pastry.
3. Why is my dough not rising?
Your yeast may be expired, or your kitchen may be too cold. Let the dough rise in a warm spot (75-80°F/24-27°C).
4. Can I add extra flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding orange zest, almond extract, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
5. How do I get that perfect flaky texture?
Chill your dough between every step and don’t skip the folding process! This creates those signature flaky layers.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chocolate Croissants (Pain au Chocolat) are buttery, flaky, and filled with melty chocolate, making them the ultimate bakery-style treat at home! While they take time, the result is pure pastry perfection.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Share your baking creations on Pinterest and leave a review below—I’d love to hear from you!
More Delicious Pastry Recipes to Try
- Easy Croissant French Toast – Buttery, crispy, and perfect for brunch.
- Classic French Madeleines – Light, airy, and slightly sweet tea cakes.
- Lemon Almond Scones – A tangy, nutty twist on classic scones!
Happy baking! 🥐🍫✨