Chocolate Babka Buns

By King Arthur Baking · 180 min

Ingredients

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer with the dough hook, combine all the dough ingredients and mix on low until no dry spots remain, 1 to 2 minutes. Then mix on medium until smooth, 6 to 8 minutes. If the dough feels dry or tight, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more milk.
2. Rest the dough 20 minutes, then knead in the bowl until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Cover the greased bowl and let the dough rise until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Or refrigerate it covered for at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
4. Stretch the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10 by 16 inches. Move it to a lightly floured baking sheet, cover and chill for about 20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa, espresso powder and salt for the filling.
6. Flip the dough over onto a re-floured surface and roll it to 12 by 24 inches.
7. Brush the dough with some reserved egg white in a thin, even layer. Sprinkle the filling over the whole surface and spread evenly with your hands. Scatter the chocolate evenly and press gently to adhere.
8. Roll up the dough into a log starting from a short side, then place it seam-side down. Chill uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
9. Cut the log into 12 even slices, about 1 to 1 1/4 inches wide.
10. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch pan, place the buns cut-side up, pressing to 1 inch high if needed. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until puffy and filling the pan, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (add up to 1 hour if refrigerated).
11. Near the end of the rise, preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the middle.
12. Press each bun center slightly, then brush with the remaining egg white.
13. Bake 18 to 22 minutes until the tops are deep golden brown.
14. While baking, boil the water, sugar and salt in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes until slightly thick and syrupy. Remove from heat, stir in orange zest, cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain.
15. Pour the glaze over the buns right out of the oven and brush to spread. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Summarized from King Arthur Baking's video. Watch it for the details.

More recipes with

EggMilkBrown sugarChocolate chipOrange