Indulge in the heavenly delight of homemade chocolate buns with this mouthwatering recipe! Perfectly moist, fluffy, and oozing with rich chocolate goodness, these delectable treats are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you create a batch of irresistible chocolate buns that will leave everyone wanting more.
If you are from the chocolate club, you must try this chocolate bread recipe.
Chocolate buns are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. These buns are typically made with a sweet dough that is filled with chocolate. They can be best served warm and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
The history of chocolate buns or chocolate bread rolls is not entirely clear, but it is believed that they originated in Europe. They have since become popular all over the world and can be found in bakeries and cafes everywhere. Chocolate buns are often a favorite among children, but adults also enjoy them as a sweet indulgence.
Whether you are looking for a tasty breakfast treat, a mid-day snack, or a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, chocolate buns are a great choice. With their rich, chocolatey flavor and soft, fluffy texture, they are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
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🍞 What is special about the chocolate buns?
- Approachable. This recipe uses the most basic ingredients that you are most likely to have in your pantry.
- Egg-free. This is an egg-free chocolate buns recipe.
- Delicious and easy chocolate buns. This a full-proof recipe that makes perfectly chocolaty and aromatic sweet bread. They have a soft fluffy texture and gooey chocolate filling.
- Make it vegan. This recipe can be easily modified into a vegan chocolate buns recipe.
- Quick sweet bread recipe. This recipe is ready from start to finish in under 4 hours as we are using instant fast-acting yeast in this recipe.
🍶 Ingredients required to make chocolate buns
Chocolate-filled buns are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Here are the ingredients needed to make chocolate buns:
1. Bread Flour
Bread flour is the foundation of any great bun recipe. Its high protein content gives the buns their structure and a chewy texture. It also helps the dough to expand and hold its shape during baking, resulting in fluffy buns.
All-purpose flour is the most common substitute for bread flour. It has a slightly lower protein content than bread flour, which may result in slightly less chewy and tender buns. However, it can still produce good results.
Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute for a healthier twist. It has a higher fiber content and a nuttier flavor compared to bread flour. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour has a high fiber percentage hence it absorbs more liquid, and the bread turns out denser. So, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly and add some vital wheat gluten.
Combination of All-Purpose Flour and Vital Wheat Gluten: If you have all-purpose flour but want to increase its protein content to mimic bread flour, you can add vital wheat gluten. For every cup of all-purpose flour, you can add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten. This combination helps improve the structure and elasticity of the dough.
2. Water
Water is the liquid component that activates the yeast and helps hydrate the dough. It binds all the ingredients together and ensures proper gluten development.
3. Unsalted Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor to the buns, making them more indulgent. It also contributes to the softness of the dough and enhances its texture. To make vegan chocolate buns, you can replace butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil.
4. Sugar
Sugar provides sweetness to the buns and helps activate the yeast. It also aids in browning during baking, giving the buns an attractive golden color. Substitute with vegan sweetener for making vegan chocolate rolls
5. Instant Yeast
Instant yeast is a leavening agent that helps the dough rise. Unlike active dry yeast, it can be added directly to the dry ingredients without the need for proofing in warm water.
But if you are adding active dry yeast make sure to first activate/ bloom it in warm water (100oF) with dissolved sugar and then add use it to combine dough.
6. Salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor of the buns and balances the sweetness. It also helps regulate yeast activity and strengthens the gluten structure. These sweet buns require a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
7. Chocolate
The star of the show! Chocolate adds a decadent and indulgent element to the buns. You can use chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate, preferably high-quality dark chocolate, to achieve a rich and intense chocolate flavor. It melts into gooey pockets of deliciousness within the bun. You can also add some chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough to make it chocolatey.
Several forms of chocolate can be used as fillings for chocolate bread rolls. Here are some popular options:
Chocolate Chips: Small, bite-sized pieces of chocolate that can be easily incorporated into the dough or sprinkled on top of the buns to make chocolate chip bun.
Chocolate Bars: Broken or chopped pieces of chocolate bars can be used as filling. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate bars.
Chocolate Ganache: A smooth and creamy mixture of chocolate and heavy cream. It can be spread or piped into the chocolate buns, adding a rich and decadent filling.
Nutella: A popular hazelnut chocolate spread that can be used as a delicious filling for Nutella buns. It provides a creamy and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Spread: There are various brands of chocolate spreads available that can be used as a filling. These spreads are similar to Nutella but may have different flavors or textures.
Chocolate Truffles: Small, round chocolates with a soft ganache center. You can either place whole truffles inside the buns or break them into smaller pieces.
Chocolate Paste: A smooth and spreadable chocolate mixture made with melted chocolate, butter, and sugar. It can be used as a filling and gives a rich chocolate flavor.
These are just a few examples, and you can experiment with different types of chocolates or chocolate-based fillings based on your preference and creativity.
🔪 How to make chocolate buns
Step 1 Preparations
Start by measuring all your ingredients. Bring the butter to room temperature and chop the chocolate into small pieces and set aside.
This is the time to bloom the yeast if you are using active dry yeast. Dissolve sugar in warm water and add yeast. Let it bloom for 5 minutes or until foamy and bubbly.
Step 2 Kneading dough
The first step in the preparation process is to combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Since we are kneading the dough in a stand mixer take the bowl of the stand mixer and add flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
The dry ingredients should be mixed thoroughly to ensure that they are evenly distributed. Use a whisk to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly. Now add the water to the mixing bowl.
Now place the bowl on the stand mixer and the dough hook attachment. Start kneading until a smooth dough is formed. The dough will leave the sides of the bowl and cling to the dough hook attachment.
Now add the butter in two batches. Keep kneading the dough until it becomes smooth, shiny, and elastic.
Kneading with hands
In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients. Slowly pour the water into the bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the dough until it comes together into a shaggy ball. Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Now add the room-temperature softened butter and keep kneading until smooth and supple dough is formed.
Step 3 Bulk Fermentation of the dough
Now leave the dough to ferment in a warm place for about an hour or more until it doubles up in volume. If you are using active dry yeast, it may take longer to ferment the dough. The key is to keep an eye on the dough and stop bulk fermentation when the dough has risen considerably. (Refer to the images.)
Step 4 Dividing the dough and shaping the buns
Remove the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and form into a big round. Then divide the dough into 9 equal parts. You can use a scale or simply eyeball the dough into 9 equal small portions.
Use your fingers to flatten each portion. Place a piece of chocolate in the dough and seal the edges while forming a round bun shape.
Place it on a baking pan lined with parchment paper with the seam side facing down. Repeat with the remaining portions of the dough. Make sure to leave enough room in the pan for the chocolate buns to rise and increase in volume.
I used 9x9 inches square baking pan You can use a round or rectangular pan as per availability.
Step 5 Proofing and baking the chocolate bread buns
Cover with the kitchen towel and leave the buns to rise for another 30 minutes. They make take more or less time depending on the ambient kitchen temperature.
Towards the end of the proofing duration, preheat the oven to 375 oF.
When ready, bake the chocolate buns in a preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown. Once they are done, they should be left to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
I like to sprinkle them with some cocoa powder before serving. They are best served warm with a cup of coffee.
🫙How to store Chocolate Filled Buns
To store Choco bun properly, follow these steps:
- Allow the chocolate buns to cool completely: Before storing, make sure they have cooled down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can affect the texture and taste of the buns.
- Wrap them: Wrap the individual chocolate buns in a cotton cloth or simply put them in a bread bag. This helps to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
- Place in a bread box or a closed container: Transfer the wrapped chocolate rolls to a bread box or any closed container. This provides an additional layer of protection against air and humidity.
- Store at room temperature: Store the container of chocolate rolls in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat, as it can cause the chocolate to melt or become soft.
- Consume within a few days: Chocolate buns are best enjoyed when fresh. Ideally, consume them within 2-3 days of baking for optimal taste and texture. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them (see next step).
- Freezing option: If you want to store chocolate buns for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a sealable freezer bag. Frozen chocolate rolls can be stored for up to 1-2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them to bring them to room temperature before enjoying them.
💭Tips
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best English muffins:
- Substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour and reduce the water by 5 percent or add 2 tablespoons of vital wheat gluten.
- Bloom the yeast in warm water if you are fermenting the bread with the active dry yeast.
- If you want chocolate bread buns with chocolatey crumbs, add 2 tablespoon of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients and mix well with the flour.
- It may make take more or less time for fermenting depending on the ambient kitchen temperature. So keep an eye on the dough while it is fermenting.
- For filling you can use any form of chocolate that you like. Chocolate pieces are best as they are easy to fold in. But you can use chocolate chips, chocolate paste, chocolate ganache, chocolate spread, Nutella, etc.
- I made 9 chocolate rolls from this recipe which for me has the perfect chocolate-to-bread ratio. But if you want more chocolate and less bread, make 10 or more buns.
- I used 9x9 inches square baking pan. You can use a round or rectangular pan as per the availability.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers, store the English muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, toast them or warm them in a toaster oven.
🥖More bread recipes and rolls
- Semolina Bread with Sesame Seeds
- Turkish Bread
- Dairy free bread: The best whole wheat vegan milk bread
- How to bake perfect bread in Instant pot
- Tiger rolls: A foolproof Dutch crunch bread recipe
- Matcha Bread (Eggless Matcha Swirl Bread)
- Coffee Buns ( Eggless Mexican Bun Recipe)
- Sourdough Rolls | No-yeast quick dinner rolls using sourdough starter
- Easy Sourdough Challah
- Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Bread
🥬More vegan bread recipes
A few vegan bread recipes
- The best garlic sourdough bread recipe
- Sourdough chocolate bread recipe: Easy and delicious !
- How to make sourdough hot dog buns from scratch?
- Ciabatta bread
- Vegan challah buns
- Dairy Free bread
- Vegan Hamburger Buns
- Vegan Bagels recipe
- Vegan English Muffins
Discover the magic of combining premium-quality chocolate with soft, pillowy dough to create a dessert that's simply irresistible. From the first whiff of the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen to the moment you sink your teeth into these luscious chocolate-infused delights, every bite of these chocolate buns is a sensory journey. Do give this easy chocolate bun recipe a try and do not forget to share your experience in the comment section below.
Till then
Bake it Delicious!
📝 Recipe Card
Chocolate Buns
Ingredients
- 270 g Bread flour 2 cups
- 175 g Water ¾ cup
- 30 g Unsalted butter 2 tbsp
- 8 g Sugar 2 tsp
- 1 teaspoon Instant yeast 3 g or ½ pct
- 4 g Salt ½ tsp
- ⅓ cup chocolate chocolate chips/ chocolate spread
Instructions
Step 1 Preparations
- Start by measuring all your ingredients. Bring the butter to room temperature and chop the chocolate into small pieces and set aside.
- This is the time to bloom the yeast if you are using active dry yeast. Dissolve sugar in warm water and add yeast. Let it bloom for 5 minutes or until foamy and bubbly.
Step 2 Kneading dough
- Take the bowl of the stand mixer and add flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Use a whisk to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Now add the water to the mixing bowl.
- Place the bowl on the stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Start kneading at low speed (speed 2 for KitchenAid) until a smooth dough is formed. The dough will leave the sides of the bowl and cling to the dough hook attachment.
- Now add the butter in two batches. Keep kneading the dough until it becomes smooth, shiny, and elastic. (For kneading with hands Refer to the notes.)
Step 3 Bulk Fermentation of the dough
- Now leave the dough to ferment in a warm place for about an hour or more until it doubles up in volume. If you are using active dry yeast, it may take longer to ferment the dough. The key is to keep an eye on the dough and stop bulk fermentation when the dough has risen considerably.
Step 4 Dividing the dough and shaping the buns
- Remove the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and form it into a big round. Then divide the dough into 9 equal parts. You can use a weighing scale or simply eyeball the dough into 9 equal small portions.
- Use your fingers to flatten each portion. Place a piece of chocolate in the dough and seal the edges while forming a round bun shape.
- Place it on a parchment-lined baking pan with the seam side facing down. Repeat with the remaining portions of the dough. Make sure to leave enough room in the pan for the chocolate buns to rise and increase in volume.
- I used 9x9 inches square baking pan You can use a round or rectangular pan as per availability.
Step 5 Proofing and baking the chocolate buns
- Place the kitchen towel over the buns and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature in your kitchen.
- As the proofing period nears its end, preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Once the oven is heated, bake the chocolate buns for 18-20 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. After baking, let them cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- For an extra touch, I enjoy dusting them with cocoa powder before serving. These buns are especially delightful when enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee.
Notes
- Substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour and reduce the water by 5 percent or add 2 tablespoons of vital wheat gluten.
- Bloom the yeast in warm water if you are fermenting the bread with the active dry yeast.
- If you want chocolatey bread crumbs add 2 tablespoon of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients and mix well with the flour.
- Kneading with hands: In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients. Slowly pour the water into the bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the dough until it comes together into a shaggy ball. Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Now add the room-temperature softened butter and keep kneading until smooth and supple dough is formed.
- It may make take more or less time for fermenting depending on the ambient kitchen temperature. So keep an eye on the dough while it is fermenting.
- For filling you can use any form of chocolate that you like. Chocolate pieces are best as they are easy to fold in. But you can use chocolate chips, chocolate paste, chocolate ganache, chocolate spread, Nutella, etc.
- I made 9 chocolate rolls from this recipe which for me has the perfect chocolate-to-bread ratio. But if you want more chocolate and less bread, make 10 or more buns.
- I used 9x9 inches square baking pan. You can use a round or rectangular pan as per the availability.
📋Nutrition Facts
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