Chef John's Chocolate Croissants

5 stars
4.93 (16)
Chef John's Chocolate Croissants
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
120 mins
Total Time:
140mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 13, 2023

Indulge in the flaky, buttery goodness of homemade chocolate croissants with this easy and foolproof recipe from Chef John. These croissants are made from scratch, starting with a simple dough that is layered with butter and rolled out multiple times to create the signature flaky layers. The croissants are then filled with a rich and smooth chocolate ganache, and baked to golden perfection. Serve these croissants warm for breakfast or as a special treat anytime. They are guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Salt
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Active Dry Yeast
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • Heavy Cream
  • Egg
  • Powdered Sugar

Directions

  1. Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add softened butter and mix until the dough comes together.
  3. Shape the dough into a rectangle and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out the dough, fold it into thirds, and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
  5. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough in between.
  6. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
  7. Spread the chocolate chips over 2/3 of the dough.
  8. Fold the dough without chocolate over the middle third, then fold the chocolate-covered third over the top.
  9. Seal the edges and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  10. Slice the dough into triangles and roll them up.
  11. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  12. Cover and let the croissants rise for 1 hour.
  13. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  14. Beat together an egg and a splash of water.
  15. Brush the croissants with the egg wash.
  16. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  17. Let the croissants cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Interesting Facts

  • The origin of croissants is not actually French, but Austrian.
  • The croissant as we know it today was invented in Vienna in the 17th century.
  • It was brought to France by Marie Antoinette's personal Austrian baker.