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Chocolate Croissant (Pain au Chocolat)

Flaky, buttery, and filled with rich dark chocolate, these homemade chocolate croissants (pain au chocolat) bring the magic of a Parisian bakery to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent treat!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Dough scraper

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups 440g all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup 240ml warm milk
  • 2 tbsp 30g unsalted butter, softened

For the Butter Layer:

  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, cold

For the Filling:

  • 6 oz 170g high-quality dark chocolate, chopped

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm milk and softened butter. Mix until dough forms.
  • Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Prepare the Butter Layer

  • Place cold butter between two parchment sheets. Roll into a 6x6-inch (15x15 cm) square. Chill for 30 minutes.

Laminate the Dough

  • Roll dough into a 10x10-inch (25x25 cm) square. Place butter in the center and fold the dough over it like an envelope.
  • Roll out into a rectangle, fold into thirds, then chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this two more times.

Shape the Croissants

  • Roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 4x6-inch (10x15 cm) rectangles.
  • Place a chocolate strip at one end and roll into a log. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet.

Proof the Croissants

  • Cover loosely and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until doubled.

Bake the Croissants

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush croissants with egg wash.
  • Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Notes

Use high-quality European butter for the best flavor and texture.
For extra crispiness, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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