Chocolate Croissants Recipe
There is something downright magical about freshly baked Chocolate Croissants — the way the buttery, flaky puff pastry envelopes warm, gooey chocolate is culinary happiness in its purest form. Whether you call them pain au chocolat or simply crave a sweet treat to go alongside your morning coffee, these homemade Chocolate Croissants are everything you love about French patisserie, minus the intimidation. They’re shockingly simple to prepare at home, yet they still deliver that melt-in-your-mouth indulgence you’d expect from a real bakery.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Chocolate Filling:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling
How to Make Chocolate Croissants
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your Chocolate Croissants bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Grab your thawed puff pastry sheet, and on a lightly floured surface, roll it out a touch to smooth the seams and thin it slightly for extra flakiness.
Step 2: Cut and Fill
Carefully slice the pastry sheet into four equal squares. Now comes the best part — add a small handful of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to one corner of each square. Don’t skimp! The more generous the chocolate, the more decadent every bite.
Step 3: Roll and Shape
Starting from the chocolate-laden corner, roll the pastry tightly, tucking in the chocolate as you go. Once you reach the end, gently curve each rolled pastry into a crescent shape — this gives them that classic Chocolate Croissants look that’s part Parisian café, part homemade charm.
Step 4: Egg Wash Time
Whisk together your beaten egg and a tablespoon of water to create a smooth egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each croissant. If you love a little extra sweetness or a delicate crunch, now’s the time to sprinkle some sugar over the tops.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your croissants to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down to keep them from unrolling. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown and puffed. The aroma will tell you they’re ready! Let the Chocolate Croissants cool just slightly on a rack — they’re best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is luxuriously melty.
How to Serve Chocolate Croissants

Garnishes
Once your Chocolate Croissants are slightly cooled, dust them with a light shower of powdered sugar for a classic bakery-style finish, or add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an over-the-top treat. Fresh berries can also add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Side Dishes
Serve these beauties with a cup of hot coffee, creamy cappuccino, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re hosting brunch, a simple fruit salad or a spread of cheeses balances out the sweetness of the croissants perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little extravagant! Stack your Chocolate Croissants on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of extra chocolate pieces and berries for an inviting centerpiece. For special occasions, tie each croissant with a strip of parchment and twine for a charming, gift-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Chocolate Croissants left (which is rare!), store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. This helps keep the pastry from drying out while preserving those soft, chocolaty centers.
Freezing
Chocolate Croissants freeze beautifully! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap each croissant tightly in plastic or foil, then stash in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy a little Parisian comfort whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat your croissants in a preheated 325°F oven for about 8 minutes straight from the freezer, or 4 minutes if thawed. Microwaving works in a pinch but the oven maintains the flakiness and brings back that bakery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert
Absolutely! Semisweet chocolate is traditional, but you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate depending on your personal preference. Mixing chocolate varieties also adds a fun twist. The key is to use chocolate you truly love since it’s the star of the show.
Do I need to make my own puff pastry?
Nope! Store-bought puff pastry is a wonderful shortcut that gives you fantastic results with a fraction of the effort. Just make sure to thaw it completely before rolling and filling to prevent cracks and ensure even baking for your Chocolate Croissants.
Why did my croissants unroll during baking?
If the croissants are too loosely rolled or placed seam-side up, they can open up during baking. Be sure to roll them snugly around the chocolate and always place them seam-side down on the baking sheet for beautiful, bakery-worthy results.
Can I make Chocolate Croissants ahead for a brunch or event?
Definitely! Prep and fill the croissants the night before, then keep them covered in the fridge. Simply egg wash and bake in the morning so your guests can enjoy them fresh and warm, with minimal morning effort.
How do I know when the croissants are done baking?
Your kitchen will smell incredible as a clue, but look for a deep golden color and puffed-up pastry. The bottoms should feel crisp rather than soggy — if you’re unsure, just give them a few extra minutes for the perfect finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in baking something as decadent and easy as Chocolate Croissants at home. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or wowing friends at brunch, these pastries bring a taste of Paris to your kitchen with every bite. Go ahead, give them a try — your inner pastry chef will thank you, and so will anyone lucky enough to share them!
Print
Chocolate Croissants Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 croissants 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade chocolate croissants with this easy recipe. Flaky puff pastry wrapped around rich chocolate, these pastries are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Chocolate Filling:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly and cut it into 4 equal squares.
- Add Chocolate: Place a small handful of chocolate near one corner of each square.
- Roll: Roll the pastry tightly around the chocolate to form a crescent shape.
- Egg Wash: Mix the beaten egg with water for an egg wash, then brush it over each croissant.
- Sprinkle Sugar: Optionally sprinkle sugar over the croissants.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate for variation.
- For a bakery-style finish, dust with powdered sugar after cooling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg