Ah, Viennese Bread with Chocolate Chips! Just saying it makes me smile. This delightful treat is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious indulgence for the taste buds. I remember the first time I tasted this bread at a quaint little café in Vienna, and it was love at first bite! The combination of soft, pillowy dough with little pockets of melting chocolate is simply heavenly. Ever since then, I’ve been trying to recreate that experience in my own kitchen, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you.
What I adore about Viennese bread is that it’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a mid-afternoon snack, or even on its own as a treat, it’s versatile and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while this lovely bread bakes is simply irresistible. So, let’s get started on this scrumptious adventure!
What’s in Viennese Bread with Chocolate Chips?
All-purpose flour: This is the base of our bread. A good quality all-purpose flour will give you that perfect soft texture we crave.
Milk: Creamy whole milk adds richness to the dough and keeps the bread tender. If you’re feeling healthy, you could use almond or oat milk.
Butter: Because everything is better with butter! It adds a luscious flavor and a tender crumb. I typically use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
Sugar: A touch of sugar brightens up the flavors in the dough. I prefer using granulated sugar, but brown sugar could also add a lovely depth.
Yeast: This magical ingredient makes the bread rise and gives it that lovely lightness. I opt for active dry yeast, but instant yeast works just as well.
Egg: An egg adds richness and aids in binding, giving our bread an incredible texture.
Chocolate chips: The star of the show! Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully in the dough, creating gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness. Use any brand you love; my favorites are Ghirardelli or Nestlé.
Is Viennese Bread with Chocolate Chips Good for You?
Let’s be honest, this bread is a treat! While it brings together a wholesome mix of ingredients, moderation is key.
Butter and sugar: These ingredients give the bread that delicious taste, but it’s best to enjoy it in smaller portions if you’re watching your intake.
Chocolate chips: Dark chocolate can be a better option if you want a health boost, as it contains antioxidants and can enhance mood (not that you need an excuse to treat yourself!).
On the bright side, this bread can be enjoyed as a breakfast option, especially if you pair it with some fresh fruit or yogurt. Just remember to savor each slice!
Ingredients
– 4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of active dry yeast
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon of salt
This recipe serves about 12 slices of heavenly bread.
How to Make Viennese Bread with Chocolate Chips?
1. In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk until it’s just warm to the touch (about 110°F). Remove from heat and stir in the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar, allowing it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until a dough comes together.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t skip this step; it’s where the magic happens!
4. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Once risen, gently punch down the dough and knead in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
A Few Baking Tips & Tricks
1. If you want an extra rich flavor, consider brushing the top of your loaf with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven.
2. You can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or even white chocolate, for a fun twist.
3. This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing so that you can pull out a piece whenever you need a chocolate fix!
I hope you give this Viennese Bread with Chocolate Chips a try! Every time I make it, I feel like I’m transported back to that charming café in Vienna, and I can’t help but smile every time I take a bite. If you do try it, please let me know how it turns out – I would love to hear all about your baking adventure! Happy baking, my friend!