If you have ever wondered how to combine the flaky, buttery magic of croissants with the tangy depth of sourdough and the irresistible sweetness of chocolate, the Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe is your answer. This unique treat brings together tender layers, rich chocolate pockets, and a slight sourdough tang that will captivate your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice. Every bite offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, turning a humble loaf into a gourmet experience worth savoring and sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The foundation of this Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe lies in deceptively simple ingredients. Each brings something special to the table—from the tangy sourdough starter that gives it character to the luscious butter that creates those signature layers, and the chocolate chips that add pockets of pure sweetness throughout. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 42 g active sourdough starter: This natural leavening agent gives the bread its signature tang and light texture.
- 350 g water (divided): Hydrates the dough and helps develop gluten for a tender crumb.
- 500 g bread flour: Provides the structure and strength necessary for those flaky layers.
- 113 g unsalted butter: The secret to rich flavor and that unmistakable croissant flakiness.
- 235 g chocolate chips: Bursts of melty sweetness that mingle with the sourdough notes.
- 10 g salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Levain
Start by mixing your active sourdough starter with water and a portion of all-purpose flour until you have a smooth, bubbly levain. This will be your flavor powerhouse, bringing that characteristic sour tang and lifting the dough naturally. Let it sit at room temperature until it’s full of bubbles and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Dough Ingredients
Next, in a stand mixer, bring together your bubbly levain, the remaining water, salt, and bread flour. Use the low-speed setting to ensure everything comes together gently without overworking the flour right away. This careful mix encourages the gluten to develop evenly.
Step 3: Knead and Incorporate Butter
Turn your mixer to medium speed and knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Then, it’s time to add the softened butter—not all at once, but gradually folding it into the dough until fully absorbed. This step is what gives the bread its rich richness and delicate layering reminiscent of a croissant.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into your dough, spreading them evenly but taking care not to break up the dough’s developing structure. These sweet pockets are going to melt into irresistible little surprises in every slice.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rest and rise for about 2 hours, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This period allows the flavors to deepen and the dough to relax before shaping.
Step 6: Layer the Dough
Roll out your risen dough into a large rectangle, then fold it neatly into thirds—just like folding a letter. This folding step creates the layers that mimic those found in classic croissant dough, essential for that tender, flaky crumb.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Wrap the layered dough well in plastic wrap or place it in a covered container before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling firms up the butter and allows the layers to set, perfecting the texture at baking time.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for around 40 minutes until it achieves a beautiful golden brown crust. The smell alone will have you eagerly counting down the minutes!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread shines on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can make it feel extra indulgent. Fresh berries or a smear of whipped cream add freshness and contrast to the rich chocolatey layers.
Side Dishes
Pairing this bread with a simple cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate makes for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. It also works beautifully alongside a bowl of mixed fruit or a mild cheese platter to balance textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf thickly and toasting the pieces lightly for a warm, melty effect. You can even pull the bread apart to share the soft layers bursting with chocolate—making it a fun and interactive centerpiece for brunch or dessert gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe fresh, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft and delicious for up to two days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it before freezing and place the slices in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes wonderfully for up to one month without losing flavor or texture, so you can pull out a slice whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes until the chocolate melts slightly and the exterior crisps up. This quick step revives its fresh-baked magic as if it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular yeast instead of sourdough starter?
While this recipe is designed for sourdough starter to achieve that unique tang, you can experiment with yeast, though the flavor and texture will differ. Using sourdough starter is what makes this recipe truly special.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
We recommend semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips to balance the sourdough’s natural tanginess. However, feel free to try milk chocolate or even dark chocolate chunks for a different chocolate experience.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough is a crucial step to firm up the butter layers, allowing the bread to develop that beautiful flaky texture. Skipping this might result in a denser loaf with less distinct layers.
How can I tell when the dough has doubled in size?
Look for a noticeable puffiness and gentle spring back when you press the dough lightly with your finger. It should feel airy but still hold its shape, showing it’s ready for the next steps.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts, or dried fruits such as cherries or cranberries, can add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in carefully with the chocolate chips to keep the dough’s integrity.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe is a true celebration of flavor and texture that brings fresh excitement to your baking routine. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just adventurous with your kitchen experiments, this bread promises to delight and satisfy. Trust me, once you experience the flaky layers, subtle sourdough notes, and luscious pockets of chocolate, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade magic.
Print
Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
This Chocolate Chip Sourdough Croissant Bread is a delightful fusion of flaky, buttery croissant layers with the rich, tangy flavor of sourdough and sweet bursts of chocolate chips throughout. Perfect for breakfast or a special treat, this bread combines traditional sourdough techniques with a laminated dough process to create a tender, layered loaf packed with chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Levain
- 42 g active sourdough starter
- 100 g water
- 42 g all-purpose flour
Dough
- 250 g water (divided)
- 500 g bread flour
- 10 g salt
- 113 g unsalted butter (softened)
- 235 g chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the levain: In a bowl, mix the active sourdough starter, 100 g water, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Cover and let it sit at room temperature until bubbly and active, which may take several hours depending on starter strength.
- Mix the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the levain with the remaining 250 g water, salt, and bread flour. Mix on low speed until just combined to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead and incorporate butter: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Gradually add the softened butter in small amounts, kneading continuously until the butter is fully absorbed and the dough is silky.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough by hand to evenly distribute them without overworking the dough.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape and laminate: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, to create layers and enhance flakiness.
- Cold proof: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period develops flavor and allows the butter to chill to maintain layers.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool before slicing to preserve the texture.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before beginning to guarantee good fermentation.
- The lamination step creates flaky layers similar to traditional croissants despite this being a bread-style loaf.
- Using high-quality unsalted butter will enhance the flavor and texture.
- Room temperature and humidity can affect rising times; adjust fermentation periods accordingly.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy crumb.
- The dough can be stored in the refrigerator overnight to fit your schedule and improve flavor complexity.
