Cream Chocolate Braided Buns

Ingredients

• 3.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2.25 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1.25 cup whole milk (Warm, about 105°F / 40°C)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (Melted and slightly cooled)
• 1 egg (Large)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (For the chocolate cream filling)
• 4 oz semisweet chocolate (Finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (Softened, for the filling)
• 0.25 cup powdered sugar (For the chocolate cream filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (For the filling)
• 1 egg (Large, beaten for brushing)
• 1 tbsp water (For the egg wash)
• 2 tbsp chocolate chips (Optional topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Keep the salt from sitting directly on the yeast before mixing.

2. 2

   Add the warm milk, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, or with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

3. 3

   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 60 to 90 minutes, until doubled in volume.

4. 4

   Make the filling by heating the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Stir the cream and chocolate until smooth. Mix in the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then cool until thick enough to spread.

6. 6

   Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small rectangle or oval.

7. 7

   Spread chocolate cream down the center of each piece of dough, leaving a border around the edges. Cut slits along both long sides, then fold alternating strips over the filling to create a braid, pinching the ends closed.

8. 8

   Arrange the shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them proof for 20 to 30 minutes, until slightly puffy. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 375°F / 190°C.

9. 9

   Beat the remaining egg with the water and brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if using.

10. 10

    Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, rotating the pan once, until the buns are golden brown and the dough is fully baked. Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving so the filling can set.

Notes

The provided description contains no recipe, and the transcript is a reaction rather than cooking instructions. Ingredients, quantities, and method above are an informed reconstruction and should not be treated as the creator's verified recipe.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• sweet bread
• baked
• chocolate
• braided
• breakfast
• vegetarian