What is the difference between chocolate croissants and croissants?

A traditional croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry shaped into a crescent. A chocolate croissant , also known as pain au chocolat , is made from the same laminated dough but is rectangular in shape and filled with chocolate before being baked. The main difference is the shape and the addition of a chocolate filling.

What is the secret to a good croissant?

The key to a perfect croissant is a light, flaky texture with distinct layers. In traditional croissants, this is achieved through a lamination process , where butter is folded into the dough multiple times. In this keto version , the secrets to a flaky texture include: Rolling the dough thin to mimic real pastry layers Chilling the dough before rolling and shaping to make it easier to work with Brushing with an egg wash for a golden, crispy crust Baking at the right temperature to achieve a light, flaky bite

Does puff pastry work for croissants?

Yes, puff pastry can be used to make croissants, but it won’t have the exact same texture as traditional croissant dough. Classic croissant dough contains yeast , which gives it a slight rise and a more delicate texture. Puff pastry, on the other hand, relies solely on butter layers for its flakiness. However, since store-bought puff pastry is not keto-friendly, this keto croissant recipe uses fathead dough as a low-carb alternative.

What can you put inside a croissant?

Croissants are incredibly versatile and can be filled with both sweet and savory ingredients. Here are some delicious keto-friendly options: Sweet Fillings: Sugar-free dark chocolate (like Lily’s or ChocZero) Keto Nutella or hazelnut spread Sugar-free berry compote Cream cheese with cinnamon and keto sweetener Savory Fillings: Scrambled eggs and bacon Ham and cheese Spinach and feta Smoked salmon with cream cheese

Chocolate Croissant Recipe

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cost per Serving: ~$1.75
Calories per Serving: 280 kcal

There’s nothing quite like the buttery, flaky texture of a classic chocolate croissant recipe (or pain au chocolat)—but if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, traditional croissants are off-limits.

Good news! These Keto Chocolate Croissants are just as flaky, rich, and chocolaty as the real deal—without the excess carbs! We use a fathead dough (a keto-friendly alternative made with mozzarella and almond flour) to create a soft, golden pastry wrapped around a sugar-free chocolate filling.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these low-carb croissants will satisfy your cravings without breaking your diet. Let’s bake!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Croissant Recipe

keto chocolate croissant recipe — Enjoy these flaky keto chocolate croissants with a hot cup of bulletproof coffee for the ultimate low-carb breakfast!

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these Keto Chocolate Croissants—from their flaky texture to their rich, chocolaty filling. Here’s why they’ll become a new favorite in your keto kitchen!

100% Keto & Low-Carb Friendly

Traditional croissants are loaded with flour and sugar, making them a carb-heavy indulgence. But this recipe keeps it low-carb, with just 4g net carbs per croissant, thanks to:
✔️ Fathead dough instead of wheat flour
✔️ Sugar-free chocolate for a rich but guilt-free filling
✔️ Healthy fats to keep you full and energized

Flaky, Buttery, & Just Like the Real Thing

One of the biggest struggles on keto is finding a pastry replacement that doesn’t feel like a compromise. This fathead dough croissant has a:
✔️ Soft, golden exterior that bakes up perfectly crispy
✔️ Buttery texture that mimics a real croissant
✔️ Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate filling that’s rich and creamy

Pro Tip: Chilling the dough before rolling helps create an even flakier texture!

Quick & Easy—No Complicated Pastry Skills Needed!

Traditional croissants take hours of folding and chilling dough, but this low-carb version is way easier:
✔️ No laminating or layering required
✔️ Only 15 minutes of prep time
✔️ Bakes in just 20 minutes

That means you can enjoy a homemade chocolate croissant in under 35 minutes!

Rich Chocolate Flavor—Without the Sugar

This Chocolate Croissant Recipe have the same indulgent chocolate taste you’d expect, but without the sugar overload!
✔️ Uses high-quality sugar-free chocolate
✔️ Perfectly melted and creamy inside
✔️ Balanced with buttery pastry for the perfect bite

Pro Tip: Try Lily’s dark chocolate or ChocZero chips for the smoothest filling!

Versatile for Any Occasion

These keto croissants aren’t just for breakfast! You can serve them:
✔️ As a sweet morning treat with coffee
✔️ For brunch with friends alongside a keto charcuterie board
✔️ As a low-carb dessert with whipped cream

Totally Customizable

Love getting creative? Try these fun variations:
✔️ White Chocolate Version – Swap in sugar-free white chocolate
✔️ Nutty Croissants – Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts for extra crunch
✔️ Spiced Chocolate – Mix in cinnamon or espresso powder for a deeper flavor

Great for Meal Prep & Easy to Store

Want to make them ahead of time? These croissants store and freeze well, making them perfect for busy mornings!
✔️ Fridge: Keep fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
✔️ Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat when needed.
✔️ Reheat: Simply warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes for a fresh-from-the-bakery feel!

If you’ve been missing real French pastries on keto, these low-carb chocolate croissants are the ultimate flaky, buttery, and chocolaty solution. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and totally satisfying—without breaking your carb limit!

Tried this Chocolate Croissant Recipe? Let me know in the comments what you think!

How to make this Chocolate Croissant Recipe

Ingredients

For the Keto Croissant Dough:

✔️ 1 ¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
✔️ 2 tbsp cream cheese
✔️ 1 large egg
✔️ ¾ cup almond flour
✔️ ½ tsp baking powder
✔️ 1 pinch salt
✔️ ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Chocolate Filling:

✔️ 2 oz sugar-free dark chocolate (like Lily’s or ChocZero)
✔️ 1 tbsp heavy cream
✔️ ½ tsp butter (for extra richness)

For the Egg Wash (Golden Finish):

✔️ 1 egg yolk
✔️ 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

Keto fathead dough rolled into a thin rectangle on parchment paper, shaped into croissants.

1-Make the Keto Croissant Dough

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together for about 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
Add the beaten egg, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a thin rectangle (~⅛ inch thick).
Refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Pro Tip: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and shape without breaking!

2-Prepare the Chocolate Filling

Melt the sugar-free dark chocolate, butter, and heavy cream together in a microwave for 30 seconds.
Stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

3-Shape the Croissants

Cut the chilled dough into 6-8 triangles.
Place a small spoonful of chocolate filling at the wide end of each triangle.
Carefully roll up each triangle from the wide end to the tip, forming a crescent shape.
Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4-Bake the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Whisk together the egg yolk and almond milk for the egg wash, then brush it lightly over each croissant.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Optional: Dust with powdered erythritol for a classic bakery-style finish!

Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Chocolate Croissants

Use a Good Sugar-Free Chocolate – Brands like Lily’s or ChocZero melt beautifully.
Chill the Dough Before Rolling – This prevents it from getting too soft and sticky.
Don’t Overfill with Chocolate – Too much filling can ooze out while baking.
Reheat in the Oven – If stored, warm them at 300°F for 5 minutes for a fresh-from-the-bakery feel!

Nutrition Facts (Per Croissant)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280 kcal
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	10g
Unsaturated Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fiber	2g
Net Carbs	4g
Protein	10g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	180mg
Cholesterol	50mg

Best Drinks to Serve with Chocolate Croissant Recipe

A warm, flaky keto Chocolate Croissant Recipe deserves the perfect drink pairing! Whether you prefer a rich hot chocolate, a creamy smoothie, or a refreshing coffee, here are some of the best low-carb drinks to enjoy alongside your croissants.

1. Keto Bulletproof Coffee – A Classic Pairing

Nothing pairs better with a buttery, flaky pastry than a rich and creamy bulletproof coffee. This high-fat, energizing coffee keeps you full and complements the croissant’s chocolaty filling perfectly.

Why it’s great with croissants:
✔️ Balances the sweetness of the chocolate with deep coffee flavors.
✔️ Adds healthy fats to keep you full longer.
✔️ Boosts energy levels—perfect for a morning treat!

How to make it: Blend freshly brewed coffee with butter, MCT oil, and heavy cream for a frothy, latte-like texture.

2. Keto Oreo Hot Chocolate – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream!

If you’re a true chocolate addict, double the indulgence by serving your chocolate croissant with a cup of this Keto Oreo Hot Chocolate!

Why it’s great with croissants:
✔️ Rich, creamy, and extra chocolatey—a true treat!
✔️ Sugar-free and keto-friendly.
✔️ Pairs perfectly with the croissant’s dark chocolate filling.

🔗 Try this Keto Oreo Hot Chocolate Recipe!

3. Keto Peppermint Hot Chocolate – A Festive Twist!

For a refreshing, minty kick, pair your croissant with a warm mug of Keto Peppermint Hot Chocolate. The cool peppermint flavor balances the rich chocolate filling, making it a perfect winter treat! ❄️

Why it’s great with croissants:
✔️ Adds a fresh, cooling contrast to the buttery pastry.
✔️ A festive choice for the holidays.
✔️ Chocolate + Mint = A Classic Combo!

🔗 Get the full recipe here!

4. Low-Carb Toddler Smoothies – A Healthier Option!

Looking for a nutrient-packed drink to enjoy alongside your croissant? These Keto Toddler Smoothies are full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a great breakfast option.

Why it’s great with croissants:
✔️ A lighter, refreshing alternative to rich hot drinks.
✔️ Packed with vitamins and nutrients to balance your meal.
✔️ Kid-friendly, so the whole family can enjoy it!

Check out these Low-Carb Toddler Smoothie Recipes!

Pairing your Chocolate Croissant Recipe with the right low-carb drink enhances the flavor experience and makes for a perfectly balanced treat. Whether you prefer a strong coffee, a chocolatey indulgence, or a refreshing smoothie, there’s a drink for every occasion!

Which drink will you try with your croissant? Let me know in the comments!

kitchen tools that will make preparing this Chocolate Croissant Recipe even easier:

Please note that the links below are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting my blog!

1️⃣ Silicone Baking Mat – Non-Stick & Reusable
👉 Perfect for rolling out fathead dough without sticking and baking croissants evenly without burning. A must-have for keto baking!

2️⃣ Pastry Brush – Silicone for Egg Wash
👉 Helps you apply an even, golden egg wash to your croissants for that perfect bakery-style shine. Easy to clean and heat-resistant!

Would you like me to add more kitchen tools, like a rolling pin or dough scraper? 😊

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between chocolate croissants and croissants?
A traditional croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry shaped into a crescent. A chocolate croissant, also known as pain au chocolat, is made from the same laminated dough but is rectangular in shape and filled with chocolate before being baked. The main difference is the shape and the addition of a chocolate filling.
What is the secret to a good croissant?
The key to a perfect croissant is a light, flaky texture with distinct layers. In traditional croissants, this is achieved through a lamination process, where butter is folded into the dough multiple times. In this keto version, the secrets to a flaky texture include:
Rolling the dough thin to mimic real pastry layers
Chilling the dough before rolling and shaping to make it easier to work with
Brushing with an egg wash for a golden, crispy crust
Baking at the right temperature to achieve a light, flaky bite
Does puff pastry work for croissants?
Yes, puff pastry can be used to make croissants, but it won’t have the exact same texture as traditional croissant dough. Classic croissant dough contains yeast, which gives it a slight rise and a more delicate texture. Puff pastry, on the other hand, relies solely on butter layers for its flakiness. However, since store-bought puff pastry is not keto-friendly, this keto croissant recipe uses fathead dough as a low-carb alternative.
What can you put inside a croissant?
Croissants are incredibly versatile and can be filled with both sweet and savory ingredients. Here are some delicious keto-friendly options:
Sweet Fillings:
Sugar-free dark chocolate (like Lily’s or ChocZero)
Keto Nutella or hazelnut spread
Sugar-free berry compote
Cream cheese with cinnamon and keto sweetener
Savory Fillings:
Scrambled eggs and bacon
Ham and cheese
Spinach and feta
Smoked salmon with cream cheese

Final Thoughts

This Keto Chocolate Croissant Recipe are flaky, buttery, and filled with rich chocolate—without the carbs! Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch treat or a low-carb pastry option, these croissants are a must-try.

👉 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! 😊

Would you like me to generate images for the recipe as well? 🖼️✨