Chocolate Espresso Buns

Here’s a delicious recipe for Chocolate Espresso Buns:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp brewed espresso, cooled

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
   2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
   3. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
   4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
   5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, instant espresso powder, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Assemble the Buns:
   1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
   2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
   3. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   4. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the filling.
   5. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log.
   6. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
4. Second Rise:
   1. Cover the baking dish with a damp cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Bake:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
   1. While the buns are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and brewed espresso until smooth.
   2. Once the buns are done baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling the espresso glaze over the top.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Espresso Buns!