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Pain au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissants)

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Flaky, buttery layers of laminated dough wrapped around rich dark chocolate, baked to golden perfection just like at a Parisian bakery.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 250g (2 sticks + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold (for laminating)
  • 24 batons of dark chocolate (or chocolate chips shaped into logs)
  • 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour and knead until smooth.
  2. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour.
  3. Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound and roll into an 8×8-inch square. Chill again if it softens.
  4. Roll dough into a 12×12-inch square. Place the butter square in the center. Fold the dough edges over the butter like an envelope and seal.
  5. Roll dough into a long rectangle, then fold into thirds (like a letter). Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling between each.
  6. After the final fold, chill dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  7. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 4×6 inch rectangles.
  8. Place two chocolate batons near one edge of each rectangle. Fold the dough over the chocolate and roll to enclose and seal.
  9. Place pastries on parchment-lined trays. Cover loosely and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush each pastry with egg wash.
  11. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chocolate batons for authentic texture and flavor.
  • Chilling between folds is crucial to maintain butter layers for flakiness.
  • Best served warm, fresh from the oven. Can be reheated in a low oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/pain-au-chocolat-chocolate-croissants/