Valentine Breakfast Chocolate Croissants

Name: Valentine Breakfast Chocolate Croissants
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 croissants
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold); 1/2 cup milk (warm); 1/2 cup dark chocolate (chopped); 1 egg (beaten for egg wash); Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love starting Valentine’s Day with a little indulgence, and these chocolate croissants are the perfect treat. Soft, flaky pastry enveloping rich chocolate makes each bite pure bliss. We often enjoy these with a side of fresh fruit and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra flair. Preparing them may seem daunting at first, but the joy of pulling them from the oven and watching everyone’s faces light up is worth every minute. Join me in making this delightful breakfast, perfect for celebrating love!

Created by

Autumn Pierce

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:28:31.289Z

Creating these Valentine Breakfast Chocolate Croissants is one of my favorite holiday rituals. The combination of buttery pastry and luscious dark chocolate serves as a sweet reminder of love and comfort. During my first attempt, I discovered that chilling the dough made all the difference in achieving the ideal flaky texture. The chocolate melts just right, and the aroma that fills my kitchen while baking is irresistible.

If you’re looking to impress, consider adding a hint of orange zest to the chocolate filling for a delightful surprise. This small twist elevates the flavor profile and brings a citrusy brightness that shines through the richness. Trust me, your breakfast will become a cherished memory!

        Why You'll Love These Croissants
        Decadent layers of flaky pastry with melted chocolate
Perfect for a romantic breakfast or special occasions
Customizable with different chocolate or fillings

      

The Importance of Chilling

Chilling the dough at various stages is crucial for achieving that flaky texture we love in croissants. When the dough is cold, it allows the layers of butter to remain intact while rolling and folding. If the dough warms too much, the butter will melt into the dough instead of creating layers, resulting in denser croissants. To maintain the ideal temperature, work quickly and always return the dough to the fridge if it starts to soften.

I recommend setting a timer for 20 minutes each time you fold the dough. During these chilling periods, it’s a good idea to keep your work surface cool as well, so if you have space in the fridge, pop your rolling pin and any other tools in there too. This makes a noticeable difference in the dough’s texture and helps to avoid stickiness when you roll it out.

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The type of chocolate you choose can elevate your croissants significantly. I prefer using dark chocolate for its rich flavor that complements the buttery pastry, but you can also experiment with semi-sweet or even flavored chocolates like hazelnut or orange for a unique twist. Just ensure the chocolate is of good quality, as it will influence the overall taste of your croissants.

When chopping your chocolate, aim for small to medium-sized pieces. If they are too large, they may create an uneven melt within the croissant. On the other hand, if you prefer a more decadent bite, consider adding a combination of chocolate chunks and a spread, like Nutella, at the base of each triangle before rolling. This variation will give your croissants a wonderfully gooey center.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a perfect start:

Ingredients for Croissants

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold)
1/2 cup milk (warm)
1/2 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your croissants:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add the warm milk and knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Incorporate Butter

Roll out the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle. Take the chilled dough and roll it out into a larger rectangle, then place the butter in the center and fold the dough over, sealing the edges.

Fold and Chill

Roll the dough out and fold it into thirds like a letter. Repeat this fold two more times, chilling for 20 minutes between folds.

Shape the Croissants

After the final chill, roll out the dough into a large rectangle and cut it into triangles. Place chocolate pieces at the base and roll them up tightly into a crescent shape.

Bake

Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash and let them rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy your delightful croissants!

Enjoy your freshly baked croissants, perfect for this special occasion!

Pro Tips

For a crispier texture, place a baking dish filled with water in the oven while baking. This will create steam and help the croissants puff up beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

These croissants can indeed be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for a stress-free Valentine’s Day. You can complete the entire rolling and shaping process, then place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply take them out, let them rise for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven, and bake as directed.

If you want to keep them for even longer, you can freeze the shaped but unbaked croissants. Place them on a baking sheet until they're frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, remove the desired number of croissants and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue while making croissants is dough that is too sticky to work with. This often happens if you’ve added too much liquid or if the dough is too warm. If you encounter this, lightly flour your work surface and your hands while shaping, but be careful not to add too much flour, as this can toughen the final product.

Another potential pitfall is over-baking, which can lead to a dry croissant. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. They should turn a beautiful golden brown, and you can test doneness by tapping on the bottom; it should sound hollow. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, consider placing a piece of aluminum foil over the tops to prevent burning while they finish baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead?

Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry can save time and still yield delicious results.

→ How do I store leftover croissants?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer freshness.

→ What type of chocolate works best?

Dark chocolate is recommended for its rich flavor, but milk chocolate or even Nutella can be great alternatives.

→ Can I add other fillings?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with almond paste or fruit preserves for a unique twist.