The Procedure 

Let’s get right into it. Making croissants isn’t for the faint of heart. Once you’ve successfully made the dough, it gets fun and easy! It’s the homemade croissant dough that’s the tricky part. From there, you cut and roll – add the filling you choose! Below in you’ll find step-by-step instructions, including photos and video tutorials.

What is Lamination? (first things first!)

Laminating dough is the process of folding butter into dough many times, which creates multiple alternating layers of butter and dough. When the laminated dough bakes, the butter melts and creates steam. This steam lifts the layers apart, leaving us with dozens of flaky airy buttery layers.

Easy Homemade Chocolate Mini Croissant Ingredients

These mini croissants are straight-forward to make! Give them a try!

• • Unsalted Vegan Butter – Unsalted vegan butter is a dairy-free alternative to traditional butter made from plant-based ingredients. It offers a rich and creamy texture that works well in various recipes, whether you’re baking, cooking, or spreading it on your favorite bread. This vegan butter is perfect for those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle, providing a versatile option for both savory and sweet dishes.
  • All-Purpose Flour – All-purpose flour is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, widely used for baking and cooking purposes. This versatile flour is suitable for a wide range of recipes, from making fluffy pancakes and tender cookies to crafting savory sauces and crispy batters. Its balanced protein content makes it a go-to choice for achieving consistent and reliable results in your culinary creations.
  • Active or Instant Yeast – Active or instant yeast is a key component in bread and dough recipes, playing a crucial role in the leavening process. Active yeast requires proofing in warm water to activate its fermentation properties, while instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients. Whichever type you choose, these yeasts contribute to the rise, flavor, and texture of your baked goods, giving them that unmistakable aroma and delightful taste.
  • Warm Water – Warm water is an essential ingredient in many recipes, especially those involving yeast activation. It serves as the catalyst for yeast fermentation, helping the dough rise and develop its desired texture. Using warm water encourages the yeast to become active and create the gas necessary for proper leavening. The temperature of the water is crucial, as too hot or too cold water can affect the outcome of your baked goods.
  • Salt – Beyond a simple seasoning, salt is the flavor enhancer that transforms ingredients. It balances sweetness, highlights savory elements, and turns ordinary dishes into extraordinary delights. A kitchen essential that makes a big impact with just a pinch.
  • Chocolate Chips – Tiny bursts of chocolate delight, chocolate chips are the baker’s secret ingredient. These bite-sized morsels hold the power to transform cookies, muffins, and brownies into irresistible treats. They melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Butter Block Video Tutorial

Watch pastry chef, Riann, make a butter block like Julia Child! She talks you through the entire video step-by-step.

How to Make Easy Homemade Chocolate Mini Croissant Recipe 

Make the Butter Block Like Julia Child!

We’re channeling Julia and facing our fears and diving into the world of homemade croissants! If the thought makes you want to bolt, I get it. Let’s be clear: croissants are no walk in the park. They demand time, patience, and plenty of rolling. Yet, don’t let the advanced nature of this recipe intimidate you. You don’t need to be a baking pro to give it a shot. Creating a butter block is simple.

• • Cold Butter – From the fridge, get cold sticks of butter.
  • Parchment Paper – Place it between two sheets of parchment paper.
  • Pound (just like Julia!) – Gently pound – flatten the butter with a rolling pin.
  • Fold – Fold the parchment-wrapped butter into thirds.
  • Chill – Chill the folded butter block in the refrigerator until firm.

Now you have a butter block ready for laminating. Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions on making a butter block like Julia Child! Fun AND  effective!!!

Make the Dough.

• • Mix Dry Ingredients – Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Let dough rest
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Using the large bowl of a stand mixer, pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. So this is in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix everything until a soft dough forms using the dough hook attachment.
  • Form the Shaggy Dough into a Ball – The dough will be very sticky at first, so use flour sparingly. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
  • Roll out the dough in a rectangle – The exact dimensions aren’t necessary, but roughly 20″ x “10”.

Incorporate the butter block into the dough.

• • Roll out the ‘shaggy’ dough in a rectangle, preferably 20″x10″
  • Place the square butter block in the middle.
  • Fold the dough like an envelope.
  • Seal the butter block on each side
  • Roll out the dough again
  • Turn
  • Chill for 30 minutes between each ‘turn.’

This is time-consuming, with downtime between each ‘rolling’ and ‘turning.’ Be patient, though. It will be worth it!

Time to cut and roll your mini croissant dough.

Carefully slice your croissant dough into triangular shapes using a pizza or pastry cutter. This precise cutting step sets the stage for beautifully formed croissants that are ready to transform into delectable treats.

Generously fill them with decadent chocolate chips. These tiny pockets of goodness will infuse each bite with a rich, gooey sweetness, elevating your croissants to a new level of irresistible temptation.

Evenly space your rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bruch on milk to make them crispy and brown on the top!

Gently drape a loose covering over the formed croissants and allow them to rest at room temperature (you can simply leave them on the kitchen counter) for one hour. Following this, transfer them to the refrigerator for another hour. In contrast to many croissant recipes, I prefer the shaped croissants to enter the oven while cold, as this prevents excessive spreading during baking. Over the course of the initial hour at room temperature and the subsequent hour in the refrigerator, the croissants will undergo rising and proofing.

Once this process is complete, your croissants are prepared for baking – a moment to celebrate! To give them a final touch, apply a delicate layer of milk wash.

Mini Chocolate Croissant Video Tutorial

Watch pastry chef, Riann, make easy, homemade chocolate mini croissants. She talks you through the entire video step-by-step.

Bake! We like to bake our croissants until the are browned on the top and a bit crispy on the bottom! YUM!

Ways To Serve Easy Homemade Chocolate Mini Croissant Recipe 

Enjoy the French romance of serving your mini croissants.

• • As a Breakfast Delight: Start your day on a sweet note by serving the mini croissants with fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their flaky, chocolate-filled goodness is sure to make your mornings extra special.
  • Brunch Buffet: Arrange the mini croissants on a platter as part of a brunch spread, alongside other pastries, cheeses, and cold cuts, offering a delightful balance between sweet and savory options.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Elevate your afternoon tea time with a plate of chocolate mini croissants, perfect for dipping into your favorite tea or hot chocolate.
  • Dessert Indulgence: Turn these mini croissants into a decadent dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
  • Party or Gathering: Impress your guests at a gathering or party by offering a delightful tray of these mini croissants, as they make for elegant finger food that everyone will enjoy.
  • Lunchbox Surprise: Pack a couple of these mini croissants in your or your loved one’s lunchbox for a sweet surprise during the day.
  • Homemade Gift: Share the love by gifting a batch of these delicious treats to friends, family, or coworkers, beautifully wrapped with a ribbon or placed in a decorative box.
  • Create a Croissant Platter: Offer an assortment of mini croissants, including plain, chocolate-filled, and other flavored variations, for a croissant platter that caters to different tastes.
  • Picnic Treat: Take the mini croissants on a picnic to enjoy in the great outdoors, paired with some fresh fruit and a refreshing beverage.
  • Custom Toppings: Experiment with toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dusting of cocoa powder on the croissants to add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Remember that these chocolate mini croissants are not only delicious on their own but can also be a canvas for creativity, allowing you to explore different serving ideas and personalize them to suit various occasions and preferences. Enjoy the magic of these delightful pastries!

More Dairy-Free & Egg Free Desserts

Can you say yum! 

• • Dairy-Free Peppermint Chocolate Mousse – Peppermint mousse parfaits are a delightful and indulgent dessert, combining the rich and creamy texture of chocolate mousse with the refreshing burst of peppermint, creating a truly wonderful and irresistible treat.
  • Ultimate Dairy-Free Cannolis – Vegan cannolis are a delightfully exquisite dessert, boasting a harmonious blend of crispy, flaky shells and lusciously creamy fillings that captivate the senses and offer a truly blissful indulgence.
  • Rustic Hand-Cut Sugar Cookies – These themed vegan sugar cookies are versatile and easy to make. They will please even the harshest baked goods critics!
  • Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt Dessert– This Vegan Greek Yogurt Dessert is fresh, healthy, and not too sweet. It’s a visually interesting and beautiful dessert and is one of my personal favorites!

If you decide to try any of these recipes, please let us know by leaving a comment below