Croissant Recipes Filled With Chocolate

Name: Croissant Recipes Filled With Chocolate
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 croissants
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (cold); 1 1/2 cups whole milk (warm); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup dark chocolate (finely chopped); 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Sweet Oven Classics

I love making croissants at home, especially when they’re filled with rich, gooey chocolate. The contrast between the flaky pastry and the melted chocolate is simply heavenly. Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of creating these dreamy bites, and I've learned some essential tips along the way. From selecting the right chocolate to ensuring your dough rises perfectly, each step brings me joy. With this recipe, you can treat yourself or impress your guests with these delightful chocolate-filled croissants that are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:52:10.834Z

Every time I make these chocolate-filled croissants, I’m reminded of my travels through France, indulging in pastries at sunrise. There’s something magical about watching the dough puff up and transform in the oven while the aroma of butter and chocolate fills the kitchen. One tip I discovered is to chill your dough between folds, which ensures the layers stay distinct and flaky.

When I first started making croissants, I was intimidated, especially by the lamination process. However, with some patience and practice, I found my rhythm. Using high-quality chocolate really elevates this recipe, allowing the chocolate to melt beautifully within the crust. You won't regret it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Flaky and buttery pastry with a luscious chocolate filling
Perfect balance of sweetness and richness in every bite
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a gourmet dessert

Understanding the Dough

The backbone of any croissant lies in the dough, which is a lamination of dough and butter. Using cold butter is crucial; it creates distinct layers when you roll it out, resulting in that flaky texture we all love. If the butter melts into the dough during the rolling process, you won't achieve the same flaky finish. Aim for butter that is firm yet pliable to ensure it rolls out smoothly without breaking.

Additionally, ensuring that your dough has the right amount of hydration is vital. Too much flour can lead to a dry croissant, while too little can make the dough too sticky to handle. When kneading, observe the dough's texture; it should become smooth and elastic. Be mindful when adding flour during kneading—add just enough to prevent sticking.

Filling Options and Tips

While semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a classic taste, consider experimenting with different chocolate types to customize flavor profiles. For a richer bite, try increasing the percentage of dark chocolate, or mix in some white chocolate for added sweetness. Remember to chop any chocolate bars finely to ensure they melt evenly within the croissants and don’t create large chunks that can impact the croissant's texture.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, substitutes like almond butter or Nutella could add an exciting twist. Ensure that the filling is kept to a moderate amount (1-2 tablespoons) so that the croissants can rise beautifully without spilling over. Improper filling can lead to a soggy bottom or an overflow during baking, which we want to avoid.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Chocolate-Filled Croissants

For the croissant dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (cold)
1 1/2 cups whole milk (warm)

For the filling

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup dark chocolate (finely chopped)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Preparation Steps

Instructions

How to Make Chocolate-Filled Croissants

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir in the warm milk until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth, then wrap in plastic and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Laminating the dough

Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle. Place the cold butter in the center, fold the sides of the dough over the butter, then roll out into a large rectangle again. Fold in thirds, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this process three times.

Shape and fill croissants

Roll the laminated dough into triangles. Place chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate at the base of each triangle. Roll the dough tightly towards the tip, shape into a crescent, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the croissants

Brush the formed croissants with beaten egg. Let them rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy Your Croissants!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, use a mixture of different types of chocolate. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for an added dimension of taste. Don't rush the chilling periods
they are crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture!

Perfecting the Bake

Baking temperature is key to achieving the ideal croissant. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) ensures that the croissants start to rise rapidly, creating those beloved flaky layers. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should become golden brown and puff up considerably. Depending on your oven's calibration, this could take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.

To ensure even baking, position your croissants in the center of the oven. Consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking process to avoid any hot spots that could cause some croissants to brown faster than others.

Storage and Reheating

Once your croissants have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, which will revive their crispness.

If you find yourself with leftover croissants, consider turning them into a delicious bread pudding or using them to make sandwiches. The buttery flavor of the croissants can elevate any dish, proving that nothing goes to waste in your kitchen!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought croissant dough?

Yes, store-bought dough can save time. Just fill and bake as directed!

→ How do I store leftover croissants?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I freeze these croissants?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked croissants and bake directly from the freezer when ready.

→ What type of chocolate is best for filling?

Using a blend of semi-sweet and dark chocolate provides a nice balance of sweetness and richness.