Easy 3-Ingredient Chocolate Croissants: the Recipe for a Sweet Breakfast Ready in Just 20 Minutes!

Do you love chocolate croissants, but are intimidated by the effort it takes to make them? Then this cheat recipe is for you! Made with only three ingredients—puff pastry, hazelnut spread, and melted butter—you have no excuse not to try this recipe. While you get the same flaky pastry with a chocolatey filling, it’s super easy to make. Cut the pastry into triangles, spread the hazelnut cream on top, and roll into croissant shapes. They are then brushed with melted butter and baked until golden. Serve them as a treat with coffee, or add ice cream and make it a full dessert. It’s so easy to make, and your guests will never know your secret!

What Are Chocolate Croissants?

Chocolate croissants go by many different names. Some call it Pain au chocolat, but in some regions of France, it’s also called chocolatine. In Belgium, it’s called couque au chocolat. The pain au chocolat consists of a laminated, flaky dough filled with pieces of chocolate. Once baked, the chocolate heats up and starts to melt.

Tips

• The chocolate croissants can also be sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon sugar, or crushed nuts.
• Instead of hazelnut cream, you can also fill the croissants with caramel spread, cream cheese, melted dark chocolate, or even peanut butter.
• The pastry should be completely thawed so it’s pliable enough to roll out but still cold. The best is to leave it to thaw overnight in the fridge instead of leaving it on the kitchen counter at room temperature. If the pastry is too warm, it won’t puff enough. To make sure you get a nice puff, place the formed flowers in the fridge for half an hour.

How To Store Chocolate Croissants

The chocolate croissants are best served on the day they’re made, while the pastry is still flaky. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or Airfryer.

Can You Freeze Chocolate Croissants?

Yes, you can! Allow the croissants to cool completely. Then wrap with plastic wrap. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or Airfryer.

What Are Croissants With Chocolate Called?

When croissants are filled with chocolate, they are usually called chocolate croissants, or "pain au chocolat".

What Is A Pain Au Chocolat?

The term "pain au chocolat" literally means chocolate bread in French, and usually refers to a traditional croissant filled with chocolate.

Can I Use Phyllo Dough Instead Of Puff Pastry?

Using phyllo dough with give you a more crackly texture, whereas a croissant is known for its flakiness. So it’s best to use puff pastry!

How To Make Chocolate Croissants

Unroll the puff pastry on a cutting board and cut it into large rectangular shapes.

Cut the rectangles into triangular shapes.

Spread the hazelnut cream on the bottom part of the triangle.

Roll the dough triangles to form a croissant.

Transfer croissants to the cutting board covered with parchment paper.

Brush with melted butter.

Bake croissants in oven at 180°C/360°F for 20 minutes. Serve them all together on a serving plate. Enjoy!