Homemade Chocolate Croissants That Your Family Will Love

Name: Homemade Chocolate Croissants
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 1/4 cups cold whole milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 16 chocolate batons or 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, cut into bars; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk; Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Posted on January 31, 2026

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This Homemade Chocolate Croissants come together in about 30 minutes and require minimal rolling for a quick and easy treat that your family will love! Switch up the fillings by adding nuts, or jam, or even cheese for a savory treat, making it a perfect way to clean out the fridge or use up leftover bits and bobs. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for those cozy Sunday mornings or just because you’re craving something amazing!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Croissants

Let’s break down what you’ll need for these gooey, delightful chocolate croissants. This simple recipe combines pantry staples into something truly special, and I’m super excited to share it!

4 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base! You can also use bread flour for an even chewier croissant.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt: A couple of pinches to enhance flavor.
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: This will make the dough rise gently, so choose instant yeast for speed.
1 1/4 cups cold whole milk: Cold milk helps to create a flakier croissant.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Real butter is key, this is what provides that rich and creamy flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This is just to help form a paste with the butter.
16 chocolate batons or 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, cut into bars: You can go for dark chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous!
1 large egg: This will help with binding and create a lovely golden finish.
1 tablespoon milk: To mix with the egg for the egg wash.
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting: Totally optional but it adds a nice touch!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Cooking these rich chocolate croissants, or danishes, if you want to get fancy, will have your kitchen smelling heavenly. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a buttery, flaky croissant in no time!

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast until everything is well combined. This takes just a minute, and the smell is already fabulous!

2. Add the Milk

Now, you’ll want to pour in the cold milk gradually while mixing with a spatula. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s good exercise!

3. Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap or a clean towel and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is important because it helps the dough relax, leading to that perfect flaky layer.

4. Prep the Butter

While the dough is chilling, beat the softened butter with 2 tablespoons of flour until it’s nice and creamy. Shape it into a rectangle and pop it back in the fridge. This is a little trick to make your butter easier to work with when you encase it in dough.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, roll the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle on a well-floured surface. It should feel supple and game for a workout!

6. Encase the Butter

Place your chilled butter rectangle in the center of the dough. Fold the dough over to cover the butter completely, like you’re making a little doughy blanket for it. Pinch to seal the edges.

7. First Fold and Chill

Roll the dough into a 10×20-inch rectangle, folding it lengthwise towards the center. Cover it and chill again for another 30 minutes. You’ll want this butter to stay cold!

8. Keep Folding

Repeat the rolling and folding process twice more, resting in the fridge for at least 4 hours for that perfect flaky layer. I know, I know, it’s tough, but worth every minute!

9. Shape the Croissants

Now for the fun part! Roll the dough into an 8×20-inch rectangle. Cut it into triangles, about 6 inches wide at the base. Grab your chocolate batons or bars and place one on the base of each triangle.

10. Proof the Croissants

Start from the base, and roll each triangle up tightly towards the tip. Place each rolled croissant on a lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them proof for 1 hour. You can catch up on your favorite show or sip coffee while you wait!

11. Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Beat the large egg with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush the mixture over each croissant for that golden color. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the chocolate is melted.

12. Let Cool & Dust

Let your chocolate croissants cool slightly (if you can resist!), then dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving. You’re officially the pastry chef of your kitchen!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something comforting and so indulgent. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a fresh-baked croissant, and honestly, I’m a real sucker for flaky layers filled with molten chocolate. My kids love them, too especially when they see these beauties come out of the oven. The best part is, this recipe is super versatile you can fill them with anything your heart desires (or whatever you have in your pantry!).

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Smoked Salmon Croissant Sandwiches, my Effortless Sourdough Croissants, or my Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole! They’re all household staples around here.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

You’ll have these homemade chocolate croissants ready in just about 30 minutes of active time! Plus, when your dough and butter are prepped ahead of time, you’re in and out of the kitchen with minimal fuss.

Crowd-Pleaser

These croissants are a real hit not just for the kids but for the entire family! Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat in the evening, everyone will be begging for seconds.

Customizable

Holy moly, these croissants are a blank canvas! You can swap out the chocolate for a lemon filling, Nutella, or seasonal fruit preserves. The possibilities are endless, which makes this meal perfect for cleaning out the fridge.

Comfort Food

I mean, who doesn’t find comfort in biting into a warm, buttery croissant? It’s a little taste of happiness that just hits the spot.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

How to Serve

These chocolate croissants are perfect on their own, but you can pair them with a hot cup of coffee, or a glass of milk. They also make for a fantastic breakfast alongside some fresh fruit!

Storage

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave them for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain that crispiness.

Freezer Friendly

You can absolutely freeze these croissants! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

There you have it, these Quick and Easy Homemade Chocolate Croissants are a game-changer! You’ll be craving them all the time, and believe me, once you make them once, they’ll be a staple in your home. Happy baking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.