Chocolate Crescent Rolls Flaky Pastry, Chocolate Filling, Easy Method
Recreate French-style chocolate crescent rolls at home with this easy recipe that features a buttery, shortbread-like dough infused with cocoa and filled with rich chocolate. Shaped into elegant crescents and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert platters, or edible gifts. This simplified method delivers bakery-quality results without the fuss of laminated dough, offering the charm of Pain au Chocolat in a more approachable format.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts, optional)
- Additional powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
If using, stir in the finely chopped nuts.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and shape them into crescent moons. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are set. Be careful not to overbake.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
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Butter: Use real, unsalted butter for best flavor and texture.
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Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives depth—avoid Dutch-processed unless adjusting leavening agents.
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Filling: Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate offers the richest flavor, but feel free to try alternatives like hazelnut spread or white chocolate.
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Shaping: Keep crescents small and uniform for even baking.
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Storage: Store in airtight containers or freeze to enjoy later.
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Serving: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to preserve the texture.