How to Make Chocolate Twists, Sweet Cocoa Bun Recipe

 Sweet layered chocolatey treats.

They taste great, of course, but the main thing here is the look of them. You could also fill them with different fillings. Cinnamon & cardamom perhaps. You could also turn them into a savoury bun filled with cheese and tomato sauce. Pizza twists I would call it! As always, bread making is not about the ingredients in the recipe, it is about understanding the process so that next time you would be able to make it your own.

This recipe makes 8 large chocolate twists. Multiply the amount of ingredients to make more.

Proper final fermentation will result in a soft twist. It may be hard to see how they are rising because they are somewhat flat. If in doubt, them wait longer. Bake the bread when the bread is ready, not when you are ready! Make sure you do not bake them for too long either as they will dry out. 

Watch the video down below for detailed instructions.

Ingredients

For the dough –

300g (10.6oz) strong white bread flour

4g (0.14oz) dry yeast or 3x the amount of fresh yeast

5g (0.17oz) salt

20g (0.7oz) sugar

50g (1.75oz) soft butter

180g (6.3oz) cold milk

 To learn more about dough temperature control click here.

For the filling –

100g (3.5oz) brown sugar

20g (0.7oz) cocoa powder

4g (0.14oz) cinnamon

70g (2.5oz) soft butter

1 egg yolk mixed with 1 teaspoon of milk for glazing.

Method

1. Make the filling by beating together the brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon & butter. Keep aside for later.
2. In a bowl combine the milk, yeast, salt & sugar. Mix well to hydrate the yeast & dissolve the sugar.
3. Add the flour and mix well. Tip the dough out of the bowl and knead for 3 minutes.
4. Add the butter and knead for another 3 – 4 minutes. Desired dough temperature 25 – 26C (77-79F). If it is warmer it will ferment more quickly. If it is cooler, then it will take longer. Adjust proofing times accordingly.
5. Cover & ferment the dough for 45 – 60 minutes.
6. Fold.
7. Ferment for 45 – 60 minutes or until doubled.
8. Roll the dough to a large rectangle. Spread the filling in a thin layer leaving a 5cm (2in) edge on one end. Brush the end piece with water and fold the dough up in 3 layers.
9. Divide in 8 pieces. Cut a slit in each dough piece leaving the ends connected. Twist it in on itself from either end.
10. Place the chocolate twists on a parchment paper lined tray leaving gaps between them.
11. Cover & ferment for 1 hour. During this time preheat your oven to 160C (320F) dan on.
12. Brush with the egg yolk & milk glaze. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until golden brown all over.

Enjoy whilst fresh! 🙂