Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- In a separate bowl, activate 1 tablespoon active dry yeast in ½ cup warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Filling
- While the dough is chilling, make the chocolate filling. Melt 100 g of dark chocolate (or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter filling) with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before using it to fill the croissants. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
3️⃣ Roll and Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into triangles. Each triangle should be large enough to roll into a croissant shape.
- Place a small spoonful of the cooled chocolate filling at the base of each triangle. Carefully roll the dough from the base upwards, forming a crescent shape.
- Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
4️⃣ Baking the Croissants
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The inside should be warm, with gooey melted chocolate spilling out with every bite!
✨ Serving Suggestion
- Serve your freshly baked chocolate croissants warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness, or with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
- These croissants are perfect for a cozy breakfast, a special brunch, or a delightful treat any time of the day.
Each bite of these chocolate croissants is like a little escape into deliciousness. The crispy, buttery layers, combined with the rich, melted chocolate filling, create a perfect harmony that’s hard to resist. Enjoy the pleasure of this simple yet indulgent treat!