Flaky Homemade Puff Pastry Croissants Recipe: Bakery Magic

Buttery, golden layers of flaky puff pastry croissants tempt every pastry lover with their irresistible charm.

These delicate crescents melt in your mouth with each delectable bite.

Originating from French bakeries, this classic pastry brings a touch of elegance to your morning routine.

The secret lies in the delicate, paper-thin layers that create a perfectly crisp exterior and soft, tender interior.

Simple ingredients and basic techniques make these croissants accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.

Rich, golden-brown edges and a subtle buttery aroma promise a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.

Bake these and savor the magic of freshly made, homemade croissants that rival any classic French bakery.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 17

What’s Inside Puff Pastry Chocolate Croissants

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Delicate, buttery layers that create the flaky, golden exterior with a light and crisp texture.
• Hershey's Dark Chocolate Candy Bars: Rich, intense chocolate that melts into a smooth, decadent filling providing depth and sweetness.

• Large Egg, Water: Egg wash combination that helps seal pastry edges and creates a beautiful golden-brown glossy surface when baked.

• Powdered Sugar: Delicate white dusting that adds a subtle sweetness and elegant visual appeal to the completed croissants.

Baking Tools That Handle Pastry the Right Way

• Baking Sheets: Essential for even baking and crispy croissants.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting puff pastry into precise triangles.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing egg wash quickly and smoothly.
• Pastry Brush: Helps evenly coat croissants with golden egg wash.
• Cooling Rack: Allows croissants to cool without getting soggy.
• Sifter or Fine Strainer: Great for dusting powdered sugar evenly.

Rolling and Baking Chocolate-Filled Croissants

• Pastry Preparation

Gently unfold the delicate puff pastry sheets and let them relax at room temperature. Slice each sheet into triangular shapes with smooth, careful movements.

• Chocolate Placement

Select high-quality chocolate and break it into perfect bite-sized segments. Position each chocolate piece near the wider end of the pastry triangle.

• Rolling Magic

Softly roll the pastry from the wide base towards the narrow tip, creating a curved crescent shape. Press the edges gently to seal the delicious chocolate inside.

• Golden Coating

Create a shiny egg wash by whisking fresh eggs with a splash of water. Delicately brush the surface of each croissant, giving them a beautiful golden sheen.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the croissants into a preheated oven and watch them transform. Bake until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden-brown color, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Finishing Touch

Allow the croissants to cool slightly, then dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve these warm, decadent treats and enjoy the moment of pure chocolate bliss.

Tips to Avoid Leaks and Get Flaky Results

• Pro Tips for Perfect Pastries
• Select high-quality dark or milk chocolate bars that melt smoothly and provide rich flavor. Belgian or Swiss chocolate delivers exceptional taste and creamy texture.
• Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use. Work quickly on a cool surface to prevent butter from melting, which ensures flaky, light layers.
• Apply egg wash evenly with a soft pastry brush for gorgeous golden-brown color. Gently dab without pressing too hard to maintain pastry's delicate structure.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like white chocolate, add chopped nuts, or sprinkle sea salt for unexpected taste dimensions. Explore combinations like almond chocolate or orange-infused dark chocolate for exciting twists.

How to Plate Chocolate Croissants That Impress

• Sweet Morning Breakfast Partner: Pair these golden croissants with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate for a decadent morning treat.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Arrange croissants on a beautiful platter surrounded by fresh berries and serve alongside whipped cream for an elegant presentation that will delight guests.
• Dessert Transformation: After dinner, warm the croissants slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent sweet ending to any meal.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these chocolate croissants in a portable container for an easy grab-and-go treat during outdoor adventures, creating a delightful midday surprise.

Storing Pastry Without Losing Its Flake

• Breakfast Companion: These chocolate croissants shine brightest when served fresh and warm, making them perfect for weekend brunches or special morning treats with coffee.
• Smart Prep Strategy: Assemble croissants ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, covering tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual unbaked croissants separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Leftover Love: Store cooled croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and warm chocolate center.

Flaky Puff Pastry Croissants Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Buttery French puff pastry croissants blend flaky layers with rich, golden-brown charm. Delicate pastries invite passionate bakers to explore classic Parisian baking techniques and savor authentic culinary magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 17.3 oz (490 g) puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
• 4 pieces of 1.55 oz (44 g) Hershey’s dark chocolate candy bars
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15 g) powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Pastry Handling: Allow puff pastry to reach room temperature for 15 minutes, creating a flexible yet firm texture for easy manipulation.
3. Pastry Cutting: Slice each pastry sheet into 8 precise triangular or rectangular segments with a sharp knife, ensuring uniform shapes.
4. Chocolate Placement: Divide chocolate bars into 4 equal sections, positioning one piece centrally on each pastry triangle.
5. Egg Wash Creation: Whisk egg with water until thoroughly blended, creating a glossy coating for enhanced golden appearance.
6. Sealing Process: Carefully fold pastry edges over chocolate, pressing gently to create a secure, tight enclosure preventing filling leakage.
7. Coating Application: Uniformly brush pastry surfaces with egg wash, guaranteeing complete coverage for a lustrous, golden-brown finish.
8. Baking Technique: Transfer croissants to prepared sheets and bake for 14-15 minutes, rotating trays midway to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
9. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, cool for 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation and subtle sweetness.

Notes

• Pastry Temperature Tip: Let puff pastry soften at room temperature for exactly 15 minutes to achieve perfect pliability without becoming too soft.
• Chocolate Placement Strategy: Center chocolate sections precisely in the middle of each pastry triangle for even distribution and optimal melting.
• Egg Wash Technique: Whisk egg thoroughly with water and apply generously to create a glossy, golden-brown exterior that enhances both appearance and taste.
• Baking Precision: Rotate baking sheets halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning and prevent uneven coloration of the croissants.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg