Classic Beginner Chocolate Croissant Recipe
Are you ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure? Brace yourself for the ultimate indulgence: homemade chocolate croissants. In this Classic Beginner Chocolate Croissant Recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create flaky, buttery croissants filled with rich, melted chocolate. Get ready to impress your taste buds and dazzle your friends and family with this irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
First things first, let's gather our ingredients. You'll need:
2 and 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, cold
1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) unsalted butter, cold
1/4 cup (30g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Additional chocolate for filling (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions:
Now, let's dive into the baking process.
Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well, then add the cold milk. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it comes together. Shape the dough into a rough rectangle, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
While the dough chills, prepare the butter. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and pound it with a rolling pin until it forms a flat rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Chill the butter slab in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Once the dough and butter are chilled, it's time to laminate the dough. Roll out the dough into a larger rectangle, then place the chilled butter slab in the center. Fold the dough over the butter, encasing it completely. Roll the dough out into a long rectangle, then fold it into thirds like a letter. This completes one "turn" of lamination. Repeat this process two more times, chilling the dough in between turns.
After the final turn, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles, then place a small piece of chocolate at the base of each triangle. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the base, to form crescent shapes.
Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops of the croissants with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the croissants proof for about 1 hour, or until they double in size.
Once proofed, bake the croissants in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade chocolate croissants warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
Now, sit back, relax, and savor the decadent delight of your homemade chocolate croissants. With their flaky layers and rich chocolate filling, these treats are sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike. Happy baking with our Classic Beginner Chocolate Croissant Recipe!
