Chocolate Brioche Twist Buns
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Servings
12
Prep Time
30
Experience the delightful fusion of buttery brioche and decadent chocolate in our Chocolate Brioche Twist Buns. These elegant treats are perfect for special brunches, dessert, or simply as a delicious snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The soft, pillowy dough is infused with unsweetened cocoa powder, while the rich dark chocolate filling elevates the buns to a new level of indulgence.
These Chocolate Brioche Twist Buns require a bit of time and care, but the end result is well worth the effort. Their twisted, knotted shape is not only visually appealing, but also ensures a perfect distribution of the chocolate filling in every bite. Once baked, the buns are brushed with a simple syrup to add a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish.
Ingredients
3 ½ cups (437g) bread flour
¼ cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
1 teaspoon table salt
⅔ cup (158ml) water, room temperature
1 large egg, plus 2 large yolks (set aside whites for filling)
⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar
8 tablespoons butter, softened, cut into 8 pieces
6 ounces (170g) dark chocolate, chopped
6 tablespoons (85g) butter
¼ cup (28g) confectioners' sugar
2 large egg whites
1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
¼ cup (59ml) water and ¼ cup (50g) sugar simmered together until sugar is dissolved
Dough
Filling
Egg Wash
Simple Syrup
Directions
Dough
Whisk flour, yeast, cocoa powder and salt together in bowl of stand mixer. Whisk water, egg and yolks, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Using dough hook on low speed, slowly add water mixture to flour mixture and mix until cohesive dough starts to form and no dry flour remains, about 2 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed.
Increase speed to medium-low; add butter, 1 piece at a time; and knead until butter is fully incorporated, about 4 minutes. Continue to knead until dough is smooth and elastic and clears sides of bowl, 11 to 13 minutes.
Transfer dough to lightly floured counter and knead by hand to form smooth, round ball, about 30 seconds. Place dough ball seam side down in lightly greased large bowl. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until increased in size by half, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Filling
Microwave chocolate and butter in bowl at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Stir in sugar until combined and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Whisk in egg whites until fully combined and mixture turns glossy.
Line tray with parchment paper and lightly flour. Transfer dough to tray and press into 8 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread filling over one half of dough, leaving ¼-inch border around edges. Fold dough in half over top of filling, forming an 8-inch square, and press gently to adhere. Cover loosely with greased plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Transfer chilled dough square to lightly floured counter. Press and roll dough into 12 by 12-inch square and cut dough into twelve 1-inch strips.
Working with 1 dough strip at a time, twist ends of strip in opposite directions and form into a knot. Arrange buns on prepared sheets, six per sheet, spaced about 2½ inches apart. Cover loosely with greased plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
One hour before baking, remove buns from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature. Heat oven to 350F. Gently brush buns with egg mixture and bake until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190F, 18 to 22 minutes. Immediately brush buns with simple syrup (there will be extra syrup) and transfer to wire rack to cool.