Puff Pastry Croissants Recipe

Easy Homemade Puff Pastry Croissants Recipe: Buttery Breakfast Magic

Puff pastry chocolate croissants elevate classic breakfast pastries with their irresistible blend of rich, melting chocolate and delicate, golden-brown layers.

Imagine a delicacy that upgrades ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Crisp, buttery edges give way to a luxurious chocolate center that promises pure gastronomic delight.

Elegant yet surprisingly uncomplicated, these croissants represent a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort.

Their light, airy texture contrasts beautifully with the intense chocolate core, creating a sensory symphony.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike can master this elegant treat with minimal effort.

You’ll fall in love with these heavenly pastries that turn simple ingredients into a gourmet sensation.

Puff Pastry Chocolate Croissants: A French Delight

  • Craft Quick Decadence: Whip up these chocolate croissants in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Indulge Chocolate Bliss: Rich chocolate melts into delicate, flaky puff pastry creating a luxurious texture contrast that delivers a mouthwatering experience with every golden-brown bite.
  • Transform Store-Bought Magic: Using ready-made puff pastry turns this sophisticated dessert into an effortless treat that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in a professional kitchen, impressing family and friends without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or casual entertaining, these croissants appeal to all ages and can be easily customized with different chocolate types or added nuts for extra excitement.

Ingredients for Easy Puff Pastry Chocolate Croissants

  • Puff Pastry Sheets: Flaky, light base for creating delicate croissant structure with buttery layers.
  • Chocolate Bars: Rich, smooth filling that melts into delicious centers during baking.
  • Egg: Creates golden, shiny exterior and helps seal pastry edges.
  • Water: Helps thin egg wash for even coating and better browning.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweet, delicate finish and elegant presentation to baked croissants.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Puff Pastry Chocolate Croissants

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Thaw and Slice Puff Pastry

Let the puff pastry sheets rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Carefully cut each sheet into 8 equal triangular pieces.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Filling

Break chocolate bars into 4 sections. Place one chocolate section right in the center of each pastry triangle.

Step 4: Create Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Egg
  • Water

Mix until well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 5: Shape the Croissants

Fold each pastry triangle over the chocolate, gently pressing edges to seal. This creates a neat, enclosed pocket.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

Brush the top of each croissant with the prepared egg wash. This will help create a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place croissants in the preheated oven. Bake for 14-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow croissants to cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Getting Your Croissants Flaky and Delicious

  • Chill Pastry Perfectly: Keep puff pastry cold until just before using to ensure flaky, crisp layers that rise beautifully.
  • Chocolate Selection Matters: Choose high-quality chocolate bars with at least 60% cocoa for rich, intense flavor that melts smoothly inside the pastry.
  • Seal Edges Carefully: Press pastry edges firmly with a fork to prevent chocolate from leaking during baking, creating neat, professional-looking croissants.
  • Egg Wash Magic: Apply egg wash generously but evenly for a gorgeous golden-brown color and glossy finish that looks bakery-worthy.
  • Serving Sweet Spot: Enjoy croissants warm within 30 minutes of baking when chocolate is still melty and pastry remains wonderfully crisp.

Storing Your Chocolate Croissants for Freshness

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chocolate croissants in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them at room temperature if planning to enjoy within 24 hours, preventing moisture buildup that could soften the crispy texture.
  • Reheating: Warm croissants in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their original flaky and crisp exterior. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the pastry soggy and tough. Alternatively, pop them in a toaster oven for a quick crisp-up that maintains their delicate layers and rich chocolate center.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual croissants tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Perfect Pairings for Your Puff Pastry Chocolate Croissants

  • Brew Robust Coffee Companions: Pair these flaky chocolate croissants with a strong espresso or rich cappuccino to complement the sweet chocolate's depth and enhance the pastry's buttery texture.
  • Select Sweet Wine Sidekicks: Match these croissants with a dessert wine like port or moscato, which will beautifully highlight the chocolate's richness and provide a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Create Creamy Dairy Delights: Serve alongside cold vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream to create a delectable contrast between warm, crispy pastry and cool, smooth cream.
  • Craft Fruity Flavor Boosters: Add a side of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to introduce a tangy brightness that cuts through the chocolate's sweetness and adds a refreshing element to the dessert.

Fun Variations of Puff Pastry Chocolate Croissants

  • Nutty Chocolate Companion: Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts alongside chocolate before folding pastry for added crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Caramel Swirl Croissant: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over chocolate before sealing pastry, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
  • Berry Chocolate Fusion: Place fresh raspberries or strawberry slices with chocolate to introduce a tangy and fruity element to the classic recipe.
  • Spiced Chocolate Adventure: Dust pastry with cinnamon or add a pinch of chili powder to chocolate for a warm, slightly spicy undertone that enhances the chocolate's richness.
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Puff Pastry Croissants Recipe

Puff Pastry Croissants Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

French-inspired puff pastry chocolate croissants offer a delightful breakfast or dessert experience. Flaky layers of buttery pastry embrace rich chocolate, creating an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 17.3 ounces (490 grams) puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
  • 4 pieces of 1.55 ounces (44 grams) Hershey’s dark chocolate candy bars

Binding Ingredient:

  • 1 large egg

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and carefully arrange parchment paper on two baking sheets to prevent sticking.
  2. Allow puff pastry to soften at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring it becomes pliable but not too soft.
  3. Using a sharp knife, precisely divide each pastry sheet into 8 equal triangular or rectangular portions.
  4. Carefully segment chocolate bars into 4 uniform sections, positioning one section centrally on each pastry piece.
  5. Prepare an egg wash by vigorously whisking one egg with a small amount of water until thoroughly combined.
  6. Gently fold the pastry edges over the chocolate, applying gentle pressure to create a secure seal around the filling.
  7. Delicately brush the pastry surface with the prepared egg wash, ensuring complete and even coverage to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
  8. Transfer pastries to prepared baking sheets and place in the preheated oven, rotating the trays midway through cooking to ensure uniform browning.
  9. Bake for 14-15 minutes, watching carefully until the croissants transform into a rich, golden-brown color with crispy, flaky edges.
  10. Remove from oven and allow croissants to cool for 10 minutes, then elegantly dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
  11. Serve warm to experience the ultimate chocolate-filled pastry indulgence.

Notes

  • Dive into a delightful baking adventure that transforms simple puff pastry into decadent chocolate-filled treats.
  • Thawing is crucial for easy handling, giving you perfectly pliable pastry sheets ready to be transformed.
  • Chocolate selection matters – choose high-quality dark or milk chocolate bars for rich, melting centers.
  • Creating neat triangles requires gentle folding techniques and precise sealing to prevent chocolate leakage.
  • Egg wash provides a gorgeous golden sheen and helps pastry edges stick together seamlessly.
  • Serving warm ensures maximum chocolate ooze and creates an irresistibly indulgent dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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