Why mess with perfection when you can buy Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants frozen. With a rise overnight these become delicious pastries at home and far less expensive than what you'd pay at a bakery.
Review & Taste
If you are new to this product, you might open up the box and say, "where is the rest of these frozen croissants?" and "how did they fit 4 whole croissants into a box?
Don't worry, that's where the proofing overnight comes in. And believe me, this is so much less work than making it from scratch.
But despite their tiny size they will puff up and begin to look like croissants minus the golden-brown exterior.
If for any reason your croissant isn't rising it is likely due to the temperature being cooler in your home. If that is the case, use your oven's proof setting or put your oven on its lowest setting and allow it to rise.
The key to success here is letting these get dark enough in your oven, lest they will deflate just after coming out of the oven. So don't settle for golden brown with these. Wait until the sides are brown as well.
Once the sides are nice and brown and yes, you'll be able to see those beautiful layers then it is ready to come out of the oven.
You will need to use some wait time. The chocolate in the middle will be too hot to consume. But once it is just warm there is a special treat waiting for you.
You'll be rewarded with a treat with lots of layers and the ooey-gooey chocolate center that will make you smile.
And yes, this is hands down one of the best croissants I've ever found in the freezer aisle or even in the bakery aisle at the grocery store.
In the three and half years since I posted the original review, these haven't changed much. Which is a good thing because not all croissant products have been this lucky. And yes, just dig through the comment section alone. Trader Joe's croissants have quite a passionate crowd.
But if you are willing to let these rise overnight and bake them fresh you'll be rewarded with a pastry that is divine and one that will disappear right off of the table.
You may find that these become your go-to for breakfast, special occasions, or a late-night dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants
In the oven at 350F, you will need about 20-25 minutes of cooking time after proofing. If you are making these in an air fryer you will need 15-20 minutes at 350F.
Yes, these are not oven-ready and need to be proofed overnight at room temperature. You can speed up the process by using the proof setting on your oven for about 2 hours until they have doubled in size.
Overall
Would I buy Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants again? Yes, I buy 3 boxes of Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants when I see them. As with anything at Trader Joe's, I'm never sure if I'm going to see this product again. Should you run out and get a box? If you love Chocolate Croissants, yes, but leave a box for me. If it's a Saturday at Trader Joe's, then take no prisoners.
Product Review
They are located in the freezer section in an unassuming box that looks as follows:
I remember taking my first package out and having the following thought: THAT'S IT?!
They are tiny. Yes, there are 4 in such a small package. Here is a teaspoon (not a soup spoon for perspective's sake.) I allow mine to rise on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissant baking directions are simple. First, allow to rise for 9 hours.
Preheat oven (or toaster oven) to 350 F. Brush with egg wash.
Place in oven/toaster oven for 15 minutes until dark brown (even sides). In other words, if you are not careful it will be raw. Wait until the sides are brown as well. Wait for it to cool and enjoy an awesome treat in the morning. Or burn your mouth and go to work in agonizing pain. Either way, this is what it should look like this which is nice and golden brown color:
Can you make it ahead? Yes, and eating them the next morning is fine. If you like chocolate croissants but don't have a Starbucks budget then this is a fantastic treat (or in my case almost daily breakfast). Total home run Trader Joe's. And yes, allow these to cool as the frozen chocolate center will become molten after being in the oven or air fryer.
Calories
Ingredients
Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissant baking directions
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants
Product Name: Trader Joe's 4 Chocolate Croissants
Product Description: Trader Joe's 4 Chocolate Croissants are a perennial favorite in the freezer section. They also seem to disappear as quickly as they've been cooked.
Price: $4.99
Summary
Trader Joe's 4 Chocolate Croissants don't look like much out of the box, but they puff up to some magical treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Some of the best-frozen croissants out there
- Once these have risen all you need to do is set a timer.
- Delicious
Cons
- Requires overnight proofing. But please, don't let this stop you from buying these
Jessica Lewis says
I discovered these one year when my sister in law served them as part of her Christmas breakfast and I have been obsessed ever since. The ones from Starbucks are nowhere near as delicious. I don't mind the proofing as it let's me know I will have a delicious treat in the morning! Anyone complaining about how high fat these are needs to understand that ALL croissants are high fat, they're basically just butter and flour, which is what makes them so yummy. This is why I treat them as a special treat and not a staple item I eat multiple times a day. Although I could eat them all the time because they're so yummy but unfortunately I don't have the metabolism of a 10 yr old. I'm glad to find someone else who buys 3 boxes at time like I do. Any time I see them, I grab as many boxes as I can afford so I have these treats available whenever I feel the need to indulge!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Jessica!