Chocolate Filled Breakfast Croissants

Name: Chocolate Filled Breakfast Croissants
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 croissants
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, for sprinkling); Flour for dusting

Highlighted under: Pastry Pleasures

I absolutely adore starting my day with these Chocolate Filled Breakfast Croissants. The rich, melty chocolate encased in flaky pastry is sheer bliss, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Whether I'm treating myself on a weekend or impressing guests at brunch, these croissants never fail to delight. I love how they can be prepped in advance and baked fresh in the morning, filling my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baking dough and chocolate. It's a morning indulgence that feels both special and comforting.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-10T16:21:36.526Z

When I first attempted to make these croissants, I was thrilled to see how the chocolate melted perfectly inside the flaky pastry. I used ready-made puff pastry to save time, and it turned out beautifully. The combination of crispy exterior and soft, gooey center is simply divine. Making them from scratch would take longer, but this shortcut works wonders without sacrificing flavor.

One tip I discovered is to sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the chocolate flavor, adding a gourmet touch that makes them feel extra special. These croissants have become a household favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate filling that satisfies every sweet tooth
Flaky, golden crust that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea
Quick and easy preparation using store-bought puff pastry

Techniques for Perfect Croissants

Achieving that perfect flaky texture is vital for these Chocolate Filled Breakfast Croissants. The key lies in the handling of the puff pastry. When rolling it out, ensure not to overwork the dough. This maintains the layers necessary for flakiness. Roll the dough gently to avoid compressing the layers and always keep your work surface lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking. If the dough starts to get too warm, pop it back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up before continuing.

When shaping the croissants, remember that even pressure during rolling is important. Start rolling tightly at the base and keep the tips tucked beneath as you finish. This helps maintain the shape and encourages the pastry to rise evenly during baking, resulting in a consistent golden brown exterior that crisps beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of chocolate is crucial in this recipe, as it directly influences the flavor profile. I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness, but dark or milk chocolate can be splendid substitutes depending on your taste preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate filling elevates the flavor dramatically. For those avoiding dairy, non-dairy chocolate chips work perfectly as a substitute and can still deliver a rich taste.

Puff pastry is foundational in this recipe, so quality matters. If you can, opt for a high-butter content pastry for better flavor and texture. You can find these in the freezer section of most grocery stores. If you're short on time, ready-made pastry is a significant timesaver; however, consider making a batch from scratch when you have a little more time for a truly homemade touch.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These croissants are best served warm, fresh from the oven. For an added touch, dust them with powdered sugar or serve alongside homemade strawberry jam for a delightful contrast. Pairing these chocolate croissants with coffee or a rich tea adds a comforting element to your breakfast spread, making it perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat.

If you have leftovers, storing them correctly is key to retaining their deliciousness. Place the cooled croissants in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them before baking; simply wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen without thawing—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious chocolate-filled breakfast croissants:

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Flour for dusting

Once you have all your ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chocolate croissants:

Preheat your oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into triangles, approximately 4 inches wide at the base.

Add the chocolate

Place a small amount of chocolate chips at the base of each triangle. Roll the pastry over the chocolate, starting from the base and working towards the tip, making sure to tuck the tip underneath.

Create the egg wash and sprinkle sugar

Brush the tops of the croissants with the beaten egg. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar over the top for added sweetness and crunch.

Bake the croissants

Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Serve and enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best experience!

And that’s it! You've made delicious chocolate-filled croissants!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract with the chocolate chips. You can also substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate, depending on your preference.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your croissants don’t puff up as expected, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Puff pastry relies on steam to create those lovely layers, so ensuring your oven is hot enough (400°F/200°C) is essential. Sometimes, an oven that is too cool can lead to flat croissants. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can prevent proper airflow.

Another issue may arise if the tips of the croissants lift during baking. Make sure the tips are well tucked under before baking; if they still lift, you can use a touch of the egg wash to secure them back down. Additionally, chilling the unbaked croissants in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking can help them keep their shape while producing a beautifully flaky texture.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to scale up the recipe to serve a crowd, simply adjust the number of sheets of puff pastry you use. One sheet typically yields around 8 croissants. Keep in mind that if you're making a large batch, you'll need to bake them in multiple trays, rotating them halfway through to ensure even baking. This will preserve the quality of each croissant while allowing you to treat everyone in one go.

For a fun twist, consider filling some croissants with different ingredients such as almond paste or a raspberry filling, allowing guests to mix and match during brunch. Just remember to keep the fillings minimal to prevent the pastries from bursting during baking, which can affect their shape and presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will yield an even flakier result, but store-bought is a great time-saver.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain the flakiness.

→ Can I freeze the croissants before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the shaped croissants. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can substitute chocolate chips with Nutella, almond paste, or even fruit preserves for a different filling option.