Description
Authentic Pain au Chocolat, or chocolate croissants, are buttery, flaky pastries filled with rich chocolate. This traditional pain au chocolat recipe is perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 tsp salt
- 12 bars or sticks of dark chocolate
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Butter Block: Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator until firm but pliable.
- Laminate the Dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle larger than the butter block. Place the butter block in the center and fold the dough over it, sealing the edges. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and fold it into thirds like a letter. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling between each fold.
- Shape the Pain au Chocolat: Roll out the laminated dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into rectangles. Place a chocolate bar or stick on one end of each rectangle and roll up tightly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Proof the Pain au Chocolat: Cover the pastries and let them rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the pain au chocolat with the beaten egg. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Serve: Let the pain au chocolat cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Almond Croissants: Add a layer of almond paste before rolling the dough for a delicious almond-flavored twist.
Savory Croissants: Fill the croissants with ham and cheese for a savory version.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3