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Vienna Bread with Chocolate

Viennoise au Chocolat is a delightful pastry combining soft bread with gooey chocolate, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: French
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup milk Choose a creamy variety that will enhance the softness of the dough.
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream Adds a luxurious richness to your bread.
  • 10 grams active dry yeast Vital for the bread's rise, giving it that signature fluffiness.
  • 75 grams unsalted butter, melted Provides a rich flavor and enhances the texture of the bread.
  • 1 large egg Ensures a tender crumb and a beautiful color.
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water For a lovely golden glaze that makes the finished loaves irresistible.
Dry Ingredients
  • 30 grams granulated sugar Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the rich chocolate.
  • 475 grams all-purpose flour The backbone of your dough, giving structure and body.
  • 145 grams chocolate chips (semi-sweet) Bursts of chocolate goodness that melt beautifully.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently warm the milk and cream until it reaches 110°F (40°C). Avoid overheating, as this will kill your yeast. If it gets too hot, allow it to cool down to the right temperature. Add the active dry yeast and mix to combine, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Then, beat in the egg along with the milk-yeast mixture until the batter is smooth and inviting.
  3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour in two or three additions, mixing well after each addition. Ensure all the flour is incorporated for a smooth dough.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it’s completely smooth and soft, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Place the kneaded dough in a bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it nearly doubles in size.
Assembly
  1. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the chocolate chips over it. Knead the dough again, ensuring the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout.
  2. Using a kitchen scale, divide the dough into either 4 or 8 equal pieces for shaping. Each piece should be rounded into small oblong loaves.
  3. Arrange the shaped loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rest for an additional 30 minutes to puff up.
  4. While the loaves are resting, preheat your oven to 475°F (250°C).
  5. Once the loaves have risen, uncover them and brush the tops and sides with the egg wash mixture. Use a sharp knife to slice a few diagonal slashes across the tops.
Baking
  1. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes for smaller loaves, or 12 to 14 minutes for larger loaves, until achieving a dark golden-brown finish.
Serving
  1. Serve the Viennoise au Chocolat slightly warm or at room temperature, when the chocolate chips are still gooey.

Notes

Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; check the expiration date if unsure. Experiment with flavors by adding vanilla extract or cinnamon for complexity. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.