Chocolate bread rolls - Schoco Brötchen

The perfect dessert for lazy mornings or moments of indulgence, these "Chocolate Buns" are an excellent choice not just for breakfast but also as a delicious snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. These wonderful buns are fluffy and fragrant, with chocolate melting easily inside, giving them an irresistible taste. Let's venture into making this simple yet special dessert that will turn any meal into a special occasion.

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 40 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 buns

Ingredients
- 350 g flour (preferably type 000 for a finer texture)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (about 37°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 packet vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 30 g melted butter (warmed but not hot)
- 50 g chocolate chips (choose good quality chocolate with a high cocoa content)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for brushing)

Brief history
These chocolate buns emerged from the desire to bring a touch of sweetness and comfort to daily meals. Inspired by traditional bread recipes but with a modern twist, these buns are perfect for enjoying warm, straight from the oven. Whether you make them for family or friends, every bite promises an explosion of flavor.

Steps for preparing chocolate buns

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, but generally, the milk should feel warm to the touch.

Step 2: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure that the yeast is active and will make the buns rise beautifully.

Step 3: Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour (although this is not mandatory) and add the salt and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, the rest of the milk, honey, and vanilla.

Step 4: Kneading the dough
Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Then, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 5: Adding the chocolate
After kneading the dough, place it on the work surface and sprinkle the chocolate chips. Roll the dough and flatten it again, ensuring that the chocolate is evenly distributed. You can repeat this operation 2-3 times to ensure that the chocolate integrates well into the dough.

Step 6: Shaping the buns
Roll out the dough to a thickness of about one finger and use the rim of a glass or a round cutter to cut out buns. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise.

Step 7: Proofing the buns
Cover the tray with a clean towel and let the buns rise for 30-40 minutes until they double in size. For excellent results, you can preheat the oven to a minimum and leave the tray with the buns to proof there.

Step 8: Baking
Before placing the tray in the oven, you can brush the buns with a mixture of egg yolk and a little milk for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the buns in the preheated oven at 180-200°C for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden and rise beautifully.

Step 9: Cooling and serving
After the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an attractive look. These buns are delicious warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Useful tips
- Ingredient variations: You can add grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for an extra flavor. Also, replace the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits to diversify the recipe.
- Quick improvements: If you want to save time, you can use active dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
- Serving: These buns are excellent with flavored butter or fruit jam. You can also serve them with a cup of warm milk for a perfect breakfast.

Nutritional values
These chocolate buns are a good source of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, and the chocolate adds antioxidants and a touch of sweetness. On average, one bun has about 180 calories, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you are on a diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the buns will have a denser texture. It is recommended to mix whole wheat flour with white flour for a lighter result.
- Can they be frozen? Absolutely! The buns can be frozen after they have completely cooled. You can take them out a few hours before consuming, and then reheat them in the oven.

Personal story
I fondly remember the moments when my mother made these buns every weekend morning. The aroma of fresh bread blended perfectly with the smell of coffee, and we couldn't help but sit at the table before they were fully baked. This dessert not only filled our bellies but also brought us together as a family, and now, I want to share this recipe with you.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get to work! Surely, your chocolate buns will become a family favorite. Enjoy!