Chocolate buns

Chocolate breads - an unforgettable delicacy

When we think of sweets that bring us joy, chocolate breads are definitely among the top choices. These little treats are fluffy, aromatic, and filled with creamy chocolate, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. This recipe is perfect for moments when you want to indulge yourself or impress friends and family. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, these chocolate breads are an excellent choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 breads

Necessary ingredients:

- 250 ml sour cream (or natural yogurt)
- 70 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 egg
- 100 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 500-600 g flour (type 550 is ideal)
- Nutella (or any other preferred chocolate spread)

Before you start:

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth dough. I also recommend using quality flour, as this will influence the texture of the breads. You can choose to add other flavors, such as vanilla essence or cinnamon powder, for an extra touch of flavor.

Preparing the dough:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is important, as aerating the flour will help achieve a lighter and fluffier dough.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Add the salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Gently mix to combine evenly.

3. Activating the yeast: In the center of the flour mixture, make a small well. Add the dry yeast and 250 ml of sour cream. Mix with a spoon until the yeast is well incorporated. The lemon juice will activate the yeast and bring a fresh taste.

4. Incorporating the butter: Add the melted and cooled butter to the mixture. This ingredient will provide a soft and aromatic texture to the dough.

5. Kneading the dough: Start kneading the dough with your hands, gradually adding flour until you achieve an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour at a time. Kneading should take about 5-10 minutes.

6. Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Shaping the chocolate breads:

1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet about 0.5 cm thick.

2. Cutting squares: Use a knife or a scraper to cut the dough into squares of about 10 cm by 10 cm.

3. Filling with Nutella: In the center of each square, add a teaspoon of Nutella. Make sure not to put too much, otherwise it will spill during baking.

4. Shaping the breads: Fold each square in half, sealing the edges well to enclose the filling. You can use water or beaten egg to help seal.

5. Arranging in the tray: Place the breads in a greased and lined baking tray, leaving space between them to allow for rising.

Glazing and baking:

1. Preparing the glaze: In a small bowl, beat an egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of milk. Use a brush to glaze each bread with this mixture; this will give them a golden and appetizing crust.

2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium) and bake the breads for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy. The aroma that will spread in the kitchen is simply irresistible!

3. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, let them cool on a rack for a few minutes. This way, they will remain fluffy and delicious.

Serving suggestions and variations:

These chocolate breads are delicious served warm, but also at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to experiment, try replacing Nutella with hazelnut cream or even fruit jam for a fresher version.

Nutritional information:

- Calories (per bread): approximately 150 kcal
- Fats: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Proteins: 3 g

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different. White flour is best for achieving fluffy breads.

- What can I use instead of sour cream? You can use Greek yogurt or milk, but you will need to adjust the amount of flour, as yogurt is denser.

- How can I store the breads? These breads store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for later use.

Chocolate breads are not just a simple dessert, but a true delight that invites you to enjoy every bite. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds, this recipe will make you want to return to it again and again. Try it and let yourself be carried away by the aroma of chocolate and lemon!