Soft, fluffy, and packed with gooey chocolate these Chocolate Buns are pure happiness in every bite! Whether you’re craving a cozy treat with your morning coffee or looking to impress guests with homemade bakery-style buns, this recipe is your new go-to. And the best part? It’s easier than you think! Let’s bake some love!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Bun Recipe
If you’re a chocolate lover, this chocolate bun recipe is about to become your new favorite. Soft, fluffy, and filled with melty chocolate, these buns are a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making them at home is a breeze!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups milk
- 11 tbsp butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1.75 oz fresh yeast (or 4 tsp instant yeast)
- 1 tsp cardamom seeds
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 10 oz milk or dark chocolate (or chocolate chips)
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- Splash of milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and powdered sugar together. Once the butter is melted, remove from heat and let it cool until lukewarm.
- Activate the Yeast: Pour the lukewarm milk mixture into a large mixing bowl and add the yeast.
- Add Flavor & Flour: Grind the cardamom seeds into a powder and add them to the mixture. Slowly incorporate the flour until the dough is soft and no longer sticky.
- Knead & Rise: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Incorporate Chocolate: Chop the chocolate into small pieces (or use chocolate chips) and mix it into the dough.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into about 20 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and place them seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for 45 minutes.
- Preheat & Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 440°F (230°C). Whisk the egg with a splash of milk and brush the tops of the buns.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown on top.
Baking Tips for the Best Chocolate Buns
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for an extra-rich taste.
- Make sure the milk mixture is lukewarm (not hot) before adding yeast.
- If you love extra chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a British bath bun?
A British Bath Bun is a traditional sweet yeast bun originating from the city of Bath, England. It has a soft, slightly sweet dough, often enriched with milk and butter, and is topped with crushed sugar or pearl sugar. Some versions also include dried fruit such as currants or raisins. Bath buns are commonly enjoyed with tea and have been a part of British baking heritage since the 18th century.
What’s the difference between a cinnamon roll and a bun?
While both are sweet baked goods, there are key differences:
Cinnamon Roll – Made from rolled dough filled with cinnamon sugar and butter, then sliced into spirals and baked. Usually topped with icing or glaze.
Bun – A broader term that can refer to any round, yeast-based baked good. Buns may be plain, sweet, or savory, and they don’t always have a spiral shape or filling.
A cinnamon roll is a type of bun, but not all buns are cinnamon rolls!
What is in the chocolate buns at Din Tai Fung?
At Din Tai Fung, the famous chocolate buns are made with a soft, steamed yeast dough filled with a rich, molten chocolate filling. The filling is often made from a blend of melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk or butter, creating a smooth, creamy texture. These steamed chocolate buns are a popular dessert in their dim sum offerings.
Can you put chocolate in bread?
Yes! Adding chocolate to bread is a great way to enhance its flavor. Here are some ways to incorporate chocolate into bread:
Chocolate Filling – Use chocolate ganache or a chocolate spread for stuffed bread or buns.
Chocolate Chips or Chunks – Fold them into the dough for pockets of melted chocolate.
Cocoa Powder – Mix into the flour for a chocolate-flavored dough.
Chocolate Swirl – Spread melted chocolate or Nutella on dough before rolling and baking (like in a babka).
Final Thoughts
These chocolate buns are soft, sweet, and filled with gooey chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as a dessert, they are guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving. Try them today and let us know how they turned out!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Banana Bread Recipe with Two Bananas or Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
Chocolate Bun
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Saucepan
- Oven
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 11 tbsp butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1.75 oz fresh yeast or 4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp cardamom seeds ground
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 10 oz milk or dark chocolate or chocolate chips
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 splash milk
Instructions
- Heat the milk, butter, and powdered sugar in a saucepan until the butter melts. Cool to lukewarm.
- Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and add the yeast.
- Grind the cardamom seeds and add to the mixture. Slowly add flour until the dough is manageable.
- Knead for 5 minutes on a floured surface. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Chop the chocolate (if not using chips) and mix into the dough.
- Divide dough into 20 pieces, roll into balls, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Let rise for another 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 440°F (230°C). Whisk egg and milk for an egg wash and brush onto buns.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.