Indulge in flaky, buttery Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls—a delightful treat that combines the rich, gooey chocolate filling with the nutty crunch of almonds encased in perfectly golden, layered pastry. These rolls elevate your breakfast or brunch with their irresistible texture and flavor, making every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook eager to try something new, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create bakery-quality Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls right from scratch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible combination: The blend of chocolate and almond creates a flavor duo that is both comforting and indulgent.
Flaky, buttery texture: Perfectly laminated dough brings out that classic croissant pull-apart softness with satisfyingly crisp edges.
Homemade satisfaction: You’ll enjoy the pride of making a complex pastry from scratch, impressing friends and family alike.
Customizable: This recipe can easily be tweaked to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Great for any occasion: Breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat during coffee breaks—these rolls shine in every setting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, high-quality ingredients form the cornerstone of these tasty Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of crispiness, softness, and rich flavor.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for flaky, layered pastry dough.
Cold unsalted butter: Essential for creating the buttery layers that croissants are famous for.
Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Active dry yeast: Responsible for the dough’s rise and light texture.
Sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to balance the chocolate and almonds.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Eggs: Used for enriching the dough and for the egg wash that creates the glossy finish.
Dark chocolate or chocolate chips: The luscious filling that melts perfectly during baking.
Almond paste or almond cream: Adds a rich, nutty layer complementing the chocolate.
Sliced almonds: For topping—adds crunch and a golden finish.

Variations for Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls

One of the best things about Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls is how adaptable they are. Feel free to experiment by swapping or adding flavors to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Nut-free option: Replace almond paste and sliced almonds with hazelnut spread and crushed hazelnuts for a different but delicious unexpected twist.
Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and flax eggs to create vegan-friendly rolls without sacrificing texture.
Fruit infusion: Add thin slices of fresh strawberries or raspberries inside the roll for a fruity burst.
White chocolate and pistachios: Swap dark chocolate for white and almonds for pistachios for a colorful variation.
Spiced chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the chocolate filling for a spicy kick.

Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls from Scratch

How to Make Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing active dry yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar to activate it. Once frothy, combine with flour, sugar, salt, and eggs to create a soft, elastic dough. Chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours to rest.

Step 2: Laminate with Butter

Roll the dough into a rectangle and layer cold, flattened butter over two-thirds of it. Fold the dough in thirds to create layers, then roll and fold two more times, chilling the dough between folds to keep the butter firm. This lamination is crucial for flaky, layered pastry.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Roll the laminated dough into a large rectangle, then cut into squares. Spread a teaspoon of almond paste and a few pieces of chopped chocolate in the center of each. Fold the dough over and roll into a crescent or traditional croissant shape.

Step 4: Proof the Rolls

Allow the shaped rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free place until they’ve roughly doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours. This resting gives the rolls their airy texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Brush the rolls with beaten egg to create a glossy crust, sprinkle sliced almonds on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls

Keep everything cold: Chill your dough and butter well during lamination to ensure flaky layers form.
Measure flour accurately: Use a kitchen scale to avoid heavy dough, which can make croissants dense.
Be patient with proofing: Proper rising time means lighter, airier rolls—don’t rush this step.
Egg wash twice: Brush the rolls before baking and halfway through to get a deep, shiny color.
Use quality chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate chips for the best melting texture and flavor.

How to Serve Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls

Garnishes

Lightly dust the rolls with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with fresh fruit like berries or a bowl of yogurt to cut through the richness and balance the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the croissant rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside small dishes of almond cream, jam, or honey for guests to customize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover croissant rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; keep them wrapped to retain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked shaped rolls after proofing by wrapping them tightly in plastic and foil; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

Rewarm rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh their crisp exterior and warm the chocolate filling.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape them in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next morning for a convenient yet impressive breakfast.

What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?

High-quality dark chocolate or chocolate chips with 60-70% cocoa content work best as they melt nicely and provide a rich flavor without overpowering sweetness.

Is it necessary to laminate the dough for this recipe?

Yes, laminating with butter creates the characteristic flaky layers of croissants that make these rolls so special and delicious.

Can I use almond extract instead of almond paste?

While almond extract adds flavor, almond paste provides texture and sweetness, so it’s best to use almond paste for the filling.

How do I know when the croissant rolls are done baking?

They should be golden brown, puffed up, and feel firm to the touch; underbaked dough will be pale and doughy inside.

Final Thoughts

Making Chocolate Almond Croissant Rolls from scratch might seem like an ambitious endeavor, but with patience and these clear steps, you’ll create a bakery-level treat that’s well worth the effort. Each bite delivers a harmony of buttery layers, melted chocolate, and nutty almond flavors that transform any morning into something truly special. Give this recipe a try and watch your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma of fresh baking—your new favorite indulgence awaits!