What if I told you that achieving perfect flaky, buttery pastries doesn’t require complicated techniques? With this Classic Pain au Chocolat recipe, you can create restaurant-quality treats in your own kitchen. These decadent chocolate-filled croissants will transform your weekend baking routine!
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
- Ingredient
Quantity
Notes - Pain au chocolat dough
2 large
Fresh or frozen - Unsalted butter
1 cup (220g)
Chilled and cubed - Semisweet chocolate
8 oz (225g)
Chopped, about 2 cups - Egg wash
1 large
Mixed with 1 tbsp milk - Sugar
2 tbsp
Optional for brushing - All-purpose flour
2 cups
For dusting
For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Alternatively, you can use French chocolate croissant dough if desired.

Timing
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, which is 20% less time than the average croissant recipe. The result is flaky, buttery pastries that require minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your Classic Pain au Chocolat dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12×16 inch rectangle. Gently fold one side over to the opposite edge, then fold the adjacent side over, creating a rectangle.
Step 2: Layer Butter and Chocolate
Place cubed butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to an even 1/8-inch thickness. Arrange the butter in the center of the dough. Sprinkle the chopped chocolate over the butter.
Step 3: Fold and Roll
Fold the dough over the butter and chocolate, creating 4-6 equal layers. Use a bench scraper or knife to trim any uneven edges. Fold the dough in half vertically and gently roll it from the folded edge.
Step 4: Shape the Croissants
Allow the dough to rest for 15-20 minutes. Then, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16-18 inch log, gently widening the ends. Arrange the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops with egg wash and, if you like, sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, until the pastries are golden brown, flaky, and puffed up with a lovely color.
Step 6: Final Touches
Let the croissants cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve immediately while they’re fresh and warm.
Nutritional Information
- Nutrient
Amount
% Daily Value - Calories
180
10% - Total Fat
10g
15% - Saturated Fat
5g
25% - Cholesterol
35mg
12% - Sodium
70mg
3% - Total Carbohydrate
15g
5% - Dietary Fiber
1g
3% - Sugar
7g
– - Protein
3g
6%
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to make your Classic Pain au Chocolat recipe healthier? Here are some options:
- Use half vegetable shortening and half butter for lower cholesterol content
- Substitute 50% of the butter with coconut oil for a different flavor profile
- Try dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa) for added antioxidants
- Reduce portion sizes to serve smaller croissants
- Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase fiber content.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your homemade Classic Pain au Chocolat with these delicious accompaniments:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast
- Combine with a fruit preserves spread for a sweet-and-sour contrast
- Serve with a side of crème choux for an extra decadent treat
- Wrap individually and give as gifts to friends and family
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling the dough properly: Always chill your dough for at least 1-2 hours between folds to allow gluten to relax and prevent shrinkage.
- Overworking the dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its texture and flakiness.
- Using room temperature butter: Always use cold, firm butter for the best layer separation.
- Not baking long enough: The longer you bake your croissants, the more developed the crust and flavor will be.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Ensure proper spacing between croissants for even baking and maximum flakiness.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage keeps your Classic Pain au Chocolat fresh longer:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Fridge storage extends freshness by 1-2 days but may alter texture
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes before serving
- Wrap individually in parchment paper before freezing for up to 2 months
- Thaw frozen croissants in the refrigerator overnight before baking
Conclusion
This Classic Pain au Chocolat recipe brings the perfect blend of French elegance and rich chocolatey goodness to your kitchen. With careful technique and minimal effort, you can create bakery-quality croissants that will impress friends and family.
How do you love to enjoy these buttery treats? Share your ideas and creations in the comments below! Be sure to bookmark this recipe for your next baking session.