Chocolate Buns

I have unfortunately lost the source of the original recipe where I took it from. But thanks a ton, unknown stranger - your recipe brings delight to hearts of people all over the globe.

Chocolate Filled Buns

Yields 12 rolls

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 cup barely warm milk

3 cups all-purpose flour - I have tried using .5 cup all purpose and 2.5 cups of whole wheat, and the rolls were awesome. Less pillowy than the AP ones, but very good to eat and not dense at all.

2 tablespoons butter, melted + 1 tablespoon butter, melted

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoons salt

1 egg

1 tablespoon orange zest

Filling:

4-6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips

I have also used nutella/different kinds of jams, and they all come out great.

In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons melted butter, sugar, salt, egg, and orange zest. Stir until blended and fragrant. Add 3 cups of flour and mix until the dough comes together. It will be sticky! On a lightly floured surface knead the dough until soft and elastic (about 8 minutes), adding more flour to keep the dough from sticking if necessary. Do not add too much flour! The dough will become more workable the longer you knead. Or, if you have a standing mixer, knead the dough with the dough attachment for 5-7 minutes, or until elastic.

Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 2 hours.

Punch dough down, divide into 12 equal portions, and shape each portion into a round ball. Make an indent in each ball and place 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (or more or less to taste). Cover the chocolate with the dough and roll to seal all seams. Place rolls a on baking sheet coated lightly with oil/butter. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees C.

Brush 1 tablespoon melted butter/egg white bath over the rolls. Bake for ~20 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm or at room temperature (though I prefer them warm so I stick them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds).