Chocolatine Pleasure Pastries (Pain au Chocolat)

Embrace the sophistication of Chocolatine Pleasure Pastries, a delightful interpretation of the French classic, Pain au Chocolat. Each pastry is a symphony of crisp, buttery layers with a heart of rich dark chocolate—a true celebration of culinary artistry.

Yield: 8-10 pastries

Dough Essentials:

• 3/4 cup of milk, ice-cold
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 2 ounces of fresh yeast
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, chilled
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 3 cups of bread flour (Type 550 equivalent)

Chocolate Filling:

• 5 1/2 ounces of unsalted butter, cold
• 16-20 batons of premium dark chocolate

For the Gloss:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or whole milk

Dough Craft:

1. In a mixer, gently bring together the dough ingredients, then knead for about 5 minutes into a smooth ball.
2. While the dough is resting, prepare your butter for lamination by cutting it in half lengthwise.
3. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle (about 8x10 inches).

Butter Lamination:

1. Place the butter on one side of the dough, folding the other half over it, pressing the edges to seal the butter inside.
2. Envelop the buttered dough in a cloth and let it cool in the fridge for 45 minutes or more.

First Roll & Fold:

1. Roll the dough into a long, thin rectangle, then fold it in thirds—right side to the center, followed by the left, pressing gently.
2. Rest the folded dough in the fridge, covered, for another 45 minutes.

Second Roll & Fold:

1. Repeat the rolling and folding process, then chill for another 45 minutes.

Third Roll & Fold:

1. Perform the rolling and folding step one more time, then allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Assembly:

1. Cut the rested and chilled dough into rectangles.
2. Place a chocolate baton on the edge of each rectangle and roll tightly.
3. Let the shaped pastries rise slightly, then brush with a mix of egg yolk and cream.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) until golden and puffed.

Savor your homemade Chocolatine Pleasure Pastries, a treat that transports you to the quaint patisseries of France with every bite. 🍫🥐