Ultimate Swiss Chocolate Croissants – Flaky, Buttery & Irresistible!

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked Swiss Chocolate Croissants! These flaky, buttery pastries are filled with rich, melted chocolate, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

Unlike traditional French croissants, Swiss croissants have a slightly lighter, crispier texture and are often made with high-fat butter, giving them a deeper, richer flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of making the perfect Swiss Chocolate Croissants at home!

Want to try a classic version? Check out our Swiss Butter Croissants Recipe!

Table of Contents

Introduction

  • What makes Swiss Chocolate Croissants special?
  • How they differ from French croissants.

Ingredients for Swiss Chocolate Croissants

  • Dough ingredients
  • Butter & chocolate filling
  • Egg wash

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Swiss Chocolate Croissants

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

  • Best beverages to pair with croissants
  • Sweet vs. savory toppings

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • Why croissants become dense instead of flaky
  • Preventing butter from leaking
  • Achieving the perfect crispy texture

FAQs

  • Can I freeze the dough?
  • What’s the best chocolate for croissants?
  • Can I make these dairy-free?

Conclusion

  • Final thoughts
  • Encouragement to try the recipe
  • Related recipes for further exploration

Ingredients for Swiss Chocolate Croissants

Dough Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt

Butter Layer & Chocolate Filling:

  • 1 cup cold European-style butter (82% fat)
  • ½ cup high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate sticks

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk
 Ingredients for Swiss Chocolate Croissants, including flour, butter, yeast, chocolate sticks, and eggs.
All the ingredients needed to make Swiss Chocolate Croissants from scratch

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Swiss Chocolate Croissants

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

  1. Activate the yeast: Mix warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, then gradually add the yeast mixture. Knead until a soft dough forms.
  3. First proofing: Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes in a warm place.
Activated yeast mixture foaming in a bowl for croissant dough.
Yeast mixture activating before being added to the croissant dough.

Step 2: Laminating the Dough with Butter

  1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
  2. Add butter layers: Place cold butter over two-thirds of the dough. Fold the dough into thirds (like a letter) and roll out again.
  3. Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then repeat folding two more times.
Folding croissant dough with layers of butter for a flaky texture.
Rolling and folding croissant dough with cold butter for extra flakiness.

Step 3: Filling with Chocolate & Shaping the Croissants

  1. Roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick sheet.
  2. Cut into triangles, then place a chocolate stick or chocolate pieces at the base.
  3. Roll tightly from the base to the tip to form a croissant shape.
Unbaked croissants filled with chocolate sticks, ready to be rolled and shaped.

Step 4: Proofing & Baking

  1. Final proofing: Let the croissants rise for 1-2 hours until puffy.
  2. Brush with egg wash: Mix egg yolk + milk and gently brush the croissants.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Proofed croissants on a baking tray, brushed with egg wash before baking.
Swiss Chocolate Croissants proofing before going into the oven.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.
Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Pair with fresh berries or whipped cream for an elegant brunch.

Freshly baked Swiss Chocolate Croissants with melted chocolate inside
Swiss Chocolate Croissants fresh out of the oven, filled with rich, melted chocolate.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Croissants Are Too Dense

Solution: Make sure the butter stays cold and don’t overwork the dough.

2. Chocolate Leaks Out While Baking

Solution: Use chocolate bars or sticks instead of chocolate chips.

3. Croissants Don’t Rise Properly

Solution: Let them proof in a warm (but not hot) place for at least 1-2 hours.

FAQs

Q1: Can I freeze unbaked chocolate croissants?

Unbaked chocolate croissants on a parchment-lined tray, ready to be frozen, with some in a freezer bag on a kitchen counter

Yes! Freeze before proofing and bake straight from frozen.

Q2: What’s the best chocolate for croissants?

Dark chocolate batons next to unbaked croissant dough on a kitchen counter, ready for rolling

Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) gives the best flavor.

Q3: Can I use milk chocolate instead?

Milk chocolate pieces on a kitchen counter next to unbaked croissant dough

Yes, but it will be sweeter and melt faster.

Freshly baked Swiss Chocolate Croissants with melted chocolate inside
Swiss Chocolate Croissants fresh out of the oven, filled with rich, melted chocolate.

Conclusion

These Swiss Chocolate Croissants are the perfect balance of flaky, buttery layers and rich melted chocolate. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress!

Want more Swiss pastry recipes? Try our Swiss Butter Croissants or Swiss Gipfeli for more flaky goodness!

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