Chocolate buns

Delicious Chocolate Cups Recipe – A dessert that sweetens your day

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10 cups

Chocolate cups are an excellent choice for any time of the day, whether you enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as dessert at a special meal. This simple yet flavorful recipe will take you on a culinary journey that will delight your senses.

A brief history
Chocolate cups have become popular due to their versatility and the pleasure they offer. These little delights are inspired by baking traditions passed down through generations, where the risen dough harmoniously combines with sweet, creamy fillings. With each bite, you enjoy a perfect combination of textures, from the crispy exterior to the soft, chocolatey interior.

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g of wheat flour (preferably type 650 for a fluffier dough)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon of butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- Warm milk (about 200 ml, but adjust according to the dough's consistency)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 150 g of chocolate cream (Nutella or another favorite)

For brushing:
- 1 egg (to achieve a golden crust)
- 1 tablespoon of milk (to thin the egg)

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the egg, sugar, salt, and yeast. Pour in a little warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and gently mix with a fork. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit for 15 minutes, during which the yeast will start to activate and create bubbles.

2. Kneading the dough:
After the yeast has risen, add the soft butter and gradually add the warm milk, kneading vigorously. Continue to knead until the dough becomes elastic and non-sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Rising the dough:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Forming the cups:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and shape each piece of dough into a ball. Use a rolling pin to gently roll them into discs. Place a teaspoon of chocolate cream in the center and bring the edges towards the center, forming a packet.

5. Resting the cups:
Arrange the formed cups on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for 20 minutes.

6. Brushing and baking:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of milk. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. After the cups have rested, brush them with the egg and milk mixture. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and nicely browned.

7. Serving:
Let the cups cool slightly before enjoying them. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a more elegant look or serve them with a vanilla sauce for a pleasant contrast.

Practical Tips
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. You can do a simple test: add the yeast to warm water with sugar; if foam forms, it is active.
- Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. Do not use hot milk, as it can kill the microorganisms.
- Variations: Instead of chocolate cream, you can try fruit jam fillings, lemon curd, or even cottage cheese with sugar for a savory option.
- Storage: These cups store well in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but they are best fresh.

Nutritional Information
Each cup contains approximately 180 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats (thanks to the butter). It is also a pleasant way to consume chocolate, which contains beneficial antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the dough will have a denser texture. You can combine white flour with whole wheat flour for a better result.
- How can I make the cups fluffier? Make sure to knead the dough well and let it rise sufficiently.
- What drinks pair well with chocolate cups? A cup of warm milk or a flavored fruit tea makes a perfect combination.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put your cooking skills into practice and enjoy these delicious chocolate cups! Enjoy your meal!