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Fresh pain au chocolat on rustic table with flaky layers

Pain au Chocolat Recipe – Authentic French Pastry with Chocolate Layers

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An authentic French pain au chocolat recipe with buttery flaky layers and melted chocolate at the center. Perfect for a homemade breakfast inspired by Parisian cafés.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pastries 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups (480 g) bread flour

1 ¼ cups (300 ml) whole milk

¼ cup (50 g) sugar

1 tsp (6 g) salt

2 ¼ tsp (7 g) instant yeast

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold

24 chocolate batons (semi-sweet or bittersweet)

1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)

Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Gradually add warm milk and knead until smooth and elastic.

3. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Roll dough into a rectangle and place butter in the center.

5. Fold and laminate the dough with 3–4 turns, resting 20 minutes between folds.

6. Roll into a large rectangle, cut into smaller rectangles.

7. Place a chocolate baton on each piece and roll tightly.

8. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.

9. Cover and proof for 1–2 hours at room temperature.

10. Brush with egg wash, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.

11. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Use high-quality butter for the best flaky texture.

Semi-sweet chocolate batons melt more evenly than chips.

For extra crispness, reheat in the oven before serving.

Avoid the microwave to preserve the flaky layers.

  • Author: Tiramisu Cake
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Pastry, French Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pastry
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg