{"id":"0e470fb5-3bd4-4843-860b-e3e5807e2f7b","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/0e470fb5-3bd4-4843-860b-e3e5807e2f7b","source_url":"https://www.wellmadebykiley.com/blog/chocolate-espresso-babka-buns","title":"Chocolate Espresso Babka Buns","description":"These Chocolate Espresso Babka Buns are made with a soft and fluffy brioche dough, swirled with a rich chocolate espresso filling, and baked to golden perfection. Each bun is finished with a drizzle of brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze, adding the perfect touch of sweetness. These indulgent, bakery-style buns are a must-try for any chocolate and coffee lover!","servings":7,"servings_text":"7-8 buns","prep_time":"PT25M","cook_time":"PT25M","total_time":"PT3H45M","image_url":"https://i.imgur.com/yGhLOON.jpeg","ingredients":[{"text":"1/2 cup (120ml) milk of choice, warmed (~110F)","item":"milk of choice, warmed","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup","preparation":"~110F","metric_alternate":{"quantity":120,"unit":"ml"}},{"text":"1 heaping tsp (5g) instant or active dry yeast","item":"heaping tsp instant or active dry yeast","quantity":1,"metric_alternate":{"quantity":5,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1 tsp (5g) granulated sugar","item":"granulated sugar","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":5,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1/4 cup (58g) salted butter, very softened (almost melted)","item":"salted butter, very softened","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup","preparation":"almost melted","metric_alternate":{"quantity":58,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1 egg, at room temperature","item":"egg","quantity":1,"preparation":"at room temperature"},{"text":"2 tbsp (47g) honey","item":"honey","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":47,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"2 tsp (8g) vanilla extract","item":"vanilla extract","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":8,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1 tsp (6g) salt","item":"salt","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":6,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"2 1/2 cups (300g) bread flour (substitute: all-purpose flour)","item":"bread flour","quantity":2.5,"unit":"cup","preparation":"substitute: all-purpose flour","metric_alternate":{"quantity":300,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1 egg + 1 tbsp water, for egg wash","item":"egg + 1 tbsp water, for egg wash","quantity":1},{"text":"3oz (85g) dark chocolate","item":"dark chocolate","quantity":3,"unit":"oz","metric_alternate":{"quantity":85,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"4 tbsp salted butter","item":"salted butter","quantity":4,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1/4 cup (35g) powdered sugar","item":"powdered sugar","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup","metric_alternate":{"quantity":35,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder","item":"cocoa powder","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup","metric_alternate":{"quantity":25,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"2 tsp (4g) espresso powder or granules","item":"espresso powder or granules","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":4,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar","item":"powdered sugar","quantity":0.75,"unit":"cup","metric_alternate":{"quantity":90,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"3 tbsp (42g) salted butter, melted and browned","item":"salted butter","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp","preparation":"melted and browned","metric_alternate":{"quantity":42,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"2 1/2 tbsp (40g) maple syrup","item":"maple syrup","quantity":2.5,"unit":"tbsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":40,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1 tbsp (15ml) milk of choice","item":"milk of choice","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":15,"unit":"ml"}},{"text":"1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract or paste","item":"vanilla extract or paste","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp","metric_alternate":{"quantity":4,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"Pinch of salt","item":"salt","unit":"pinch"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Start by activating the yeast and preparing the dough. Pour the warm milk into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the sugar and sprinkle the yeast overtop. Stir and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, until frothy."},{"number":2,"text":"Once bubbly, add the butter, egg, honey and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Then, add the flour and salt."},{"number":3,"text":"Knead with the dough hook attachment or with your hands until the dough comes together in a very soft and sticky ball, about 5-7 minutes."},{"number":4,"text":"Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and allow to rise in a warm environment for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size."},{"number":5,"text":"Once the dough is ready, make the filling. Add the chocolate and butter to a heat-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted and smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Mix until a paste forms. Set aside."},{"number":6,"text":"Grease a 9” pie dish or cake pan with butter."},{"number":7,"text":"On a floured surface, dump the dough out and roll it out into a large rectangle ~8x14”. Evenly spread and press the filling all over the dough, leaving a 1/2” border along the edges."},{"number":8,"text":"Starting at a long end, fold the dough towards the center, overlapping like you are folding a letter. Cut the dough into 7-8 equal pieces."},{"number":9,"text":"With each slice, cut three slices lengthwise, leaving ~1/2” of one end attached. Braid the three strips and pinch at the bottom. Then, fold and press the two ends together so the bun comes together like a ball. Repeat with the other pieces of dough."},{"number":10,"text":"Place the buns into the prepared pan. Cover and allow to proof in a warm environment for 45 minutes, until risen and puffy."},{"number":11,"text":"Preheat the oven to 350F."},{"number":12,"text":"Once proofed, brush the buns with the egg wash."},{"number":13,"text":"Bake ay 350F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown."},{"number":14,"text":"While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together all of the ingredients in a medium bowl."},{"number":15,"text":"Remove the buns from the oven and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes."},{"number":16,"text":"Then, top drizzle with the glaze and serve warm."}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T07:55:27.271009+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T07:55:27.271009+00:00"}