The Best Dark Chocolate Buns Recipe (Soft, Rich & Bakery-Style)
If you’re looking for the ultimate dark chocolate buns recipe, you’ve just found it. These buns are incredibly soft, deeply chocolatey, and filled with luscious chocolate custard and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results at home.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this step-by-step guide will help you create perfect chocolate buns every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ultra-soft and fluffy texture
✔ Rich dark chocolate flavor
✔ Filled with creamy chocolate custard
✔ Perfect balance of sweetness
✔ Ideal for sharing (or not!)
Ingredients (Makes 7–8 Large Buns)
Dough
290 ml whole milk (lukewarm, 25–30°C)
60 ml double cream (heavy cream)
75 g sugar
7 g instant yeast
4 g salt
165 g strong white bread flour
385 g T45 flour (or additional strong white flour)
20 g unsweetened cocoa powder
75 g unsalted butter (softened, cubed)
Filling
100 g dark chocolate chips
230–250 ml thick dark chocolate custard
Finish
1 egg (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, combine:
Warm milk
Cream
Cocoa powder
Flour
Mix on low speed for 2–3 minutes until combined. Cover and let rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This step improves texture and hydration. - Add Yeast & Develop the Dough
Add:
Instant yeast
Sugar
Salt
Mix:
3 minutes on low speed
3 minutes on medium speed
Then gradually add the softened butter while mixing on low speed.
Continue kneading for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. - First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place (25–28°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until nearly doubled in size. - Shape the Buns
Roll the dough into a 55 × 40 cm rectangle
Spread the chocolate custard evenly
Sprinkle chocolate chips on top
Fold the dough twice, then place it in the freezer for 5–10 minutes (this makes shaping easier). - Cut & Twist
Slice into 7–8 long strips
Twist each strip several times
Roll into a bun shape
Place on a lined baking tray. - Second Rise
Let the buns rise again in a warm place for 60–75 minutes, until puffy. - Bake
Preheat oven to 175°C (347°F)
Brush buns gently with egg wash
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until beautifully golden
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Buns
⭐ Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper flavor
⭐ Don’t skip the resting step — it improves softness
⭐ Slightly chilling the dough makes shaping much easier
⭐ Avoid overbaking to keep buns soft and moist
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for fresh softness
Can be frozen for up to 1 month
FAQs
Can I make these buns without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead by hand for about 12–15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
What can I use instead of chocolate custard?
You can substitute with:
Chocolate spread
Ganache
Pastry cream with cocoa
Can I make smaller buns?
Absolutely—just divide into more portions and reduce baking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
These homemade dark chocolate buns are soft, rich, and irresistibly indulgent. With their gooey chocolate filling and fluffy texture, they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.
If you’re serious about baking, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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