Sweet & Salty Indulgence: The Ultimate Mini Chocolate Chip Challah Buns Recipe
Prepare to elevate your breakfast and dessert game because these **Salted Mini Chocolate Chip Challah Buns** are here to redefine your favorite carb cravings. Move over, ordinary croissants and sticky buns – these delightful, braided pastries are my new go-to, offering a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that you’ll simply adore. Imagine a soft, rich, honey-sweetened challah dough, generously studded with tiny pockets of melted chocolate, all brought together with a unique sweet and salty topping. Each bun is a miniature masterpiece, promising pure bliss with every bite.
The origin story of these charming **challah buns** is quite serendipitous. What began as an ambitious, entirely different baking project for a festive occasion turned into a colossal baking failure. Faced with a dough disaster, I decided to pivot, simplify, and embrace a more straightforward approach. The initial complex Easter-themed idea was shelved, leading me to focus on the comforting simplicity of sweet challah dough. The result was this incredible creation: strands of tender, sweet challah dough, interwoven with an abundance of **mini chocolate chips**, then beautifully braided, and finally crowned with a delightful duo of coarse sugar and a surprising sprinkle of salt. It’s a true testament to the idea that sometimes, the most wonderful culinary discoveries emerge from unexpected turns and a willingness to keep things simple.
Indeed, there are moments in the kitchen when a “failure” becomes the catalyst for something truly extraordinary. For these **chocolate chip challah buns**, that moment of frustration transformed into a recipe that brings pure joy. This experience reinforced my belief that every baking setback holds the potential for a new, delicious breakthrough. These buns aren’t just a recipe; they’re a reminder to embrace experimentation and find beauty in simplicity.
This recipe is cleverly adapted from my beloved challah bread recipe. I simply scaled it down by half and introduced the star ingredient: **mini chocolate chips**. This modification transformed a traditional challah loaf into eight perfectly portioned, single-serving buns. Each bun is a complete delight on its own – soft, rich, and bursting with flavor. But let me tell you, the experience is elevated to sheer perfection when these warm, fluffy buns are enjoyed alongside a fresh cup of coffee or tea. They’re designed for convenience without compromising on that luxurious, homemade feel.
The choice of **mini chocolate chips** is not arbitrary; it’s a critical detail that makes these challah buns truly special. Using full-sized chocolate chips would overwhelm the delicate, braided strands of dough, making them difficult to incorporate evenly and potentially causing the buns to fall apart during baking. Mini chocolate chips, on the other hand, distribute flawlessly throughout the dough, ensuring that every single bite delivers a delightful burst of chocolatey goodness. What’s more, their smaller size allows some of them to melt subtly into the warm dough during the kneading process. This creates a beautiful, subtle marbled effect, adding an extra layer of visual appeal to these already adorable pastries. This thoughtful detail ensures consistent flavor and an enchanting presentation.
When it comes to these **salted chocolate chip challah buns**, it’s genuinely hard to pick a single favorite feature. Is it the incredibly soft, tender, and slightly sweet bread, enriched with honey and eggs, boasting that signature challah richness? Or perhaps the delightful surprise of molten chocolate that melts in your mouth with every chew? Could it be the irresistible contrast of the coarse sugar’s sweetness perfectly balanced by the unexpected pop of coarse salt on top, creating an incredibly addictive flavor profile? Or is it simply their undeniable cuteness, making them an absolute joy to behold on any breakfast table? The truth is, I can’t choose. It’s the magical synergy of *all of the above* that makes them an unparalleled treat and a truly unforgettable baking experience.
As a testament to their addictive nature, I confess to having eaten two of these heavenly buns straight off the baking sheet, still warm and fragrant. Trust me, they are that good! This recipe for **homemade challah buns** is a celebration of simple pleasures and the profound satisfaction of creating something truly delicious from scratch.
Mastering the Art: How to Create a 4-Strand Braided Challah Bun
Crafting beautifully braided buns might appear daunting, but it’s a wonderfully satisfying process that yields impressive results. With these clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll be creating intricate **braided challah buns** like a pro. The key is patience and a gentle touch, allowing the dough to guide your hands. This 4-strand braiding technique creates a lovely, symmetrical bun that holds its shape and bakes perfectly golden. Don’t rush; enjoy the transformation of simple dough ropes into an artisanal treat.
- **Divide the Dough:** Once your dough has completed its first rise and been gently deflated, divide the entire mass into 8 equal pieces. These will form the foundation for your individual buns.
- **Subdivide Each Bun:** Take one of the 8 larger pieces of dough and further divide it into 4 smaller, equal portions. This ensures uniform strands for your braid, leading to a more consistent final product.
- **Roll into Ropes:** Roll each of these 4 small dough portions into a smooth, even 6-inch long rope. Consistency in length and thickness is important for a tidy braid. Repeat for all 8 buns.
- **Lay the Lattice Base:** To begin braiding, lay two of the 6-inch ropes parallel to each other on your work surface. Then, take the other two ropes and place them perpendicularly across the first two, forming a cross or a basic lattice. Ensure you alternate an “over” with an “under” motion, similar to starting a pie crust lattice.
- **Execute the Braid Pattern:** Identify the four ropes that are currently positioned “under” the intersecting ropes. Gently pick up each of these “under” ropes and pull them over the rope immediately to their left. This initiates the continuous braiding pattern.
- **Form and Secure the Bun:** Continue the braiding motion by gently weaving the ropes over and under, working your way around the bun until a complete, round braid is formed. Once the braid is finished, carefully tuck all the loose rope ends underneath the bun. Gently reshape and round the bun with your hands to create a perfectly formed **braided challah bun**.
Practice makes perfect with braiding, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t flawless. Each bun you braid will build your confidence and skill, and regardless of their intricate appearance, they will all taste absolutely delicious!
Salted Mini Chocolate Chip Challah Buns Recipe
Salted Mini Chocolate Chip Challah Buns
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 grams)
- ⅓ cup honey (113 grams)
- ½ cup water (118 ml)
- 2 ½-3 cups bread flour (300-360 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active-dry yeast (1 package, 7 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (85 grams)
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water , for egg wash
- Coarse sugar , for sprinkling
- Coarse salt , for sprinkling
Instructions
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**Prepare the Wet Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, gently heat the unsalted butter, honey, and water over low heat until the butter is completely melted. Stir occasionally to combine. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for approximately 5 minutes, or until its temperature measures between 120-130°F (49-54°C). This specific temperature is vital for properly activating the yeast without scalding it.
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**Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:** In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add 1 ½ cups of the bread flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the active-dry yeast. Give these dry ingredients a quick whisk to ensure they are well combined. Pour in the prepared warm butter-honey-water mixture, mixing on low speed until the ingredients just come together. Follow this by adding the two large eggs, continuing to mix until they are fully incorporated into the dough.
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**Gradually Add Remaining Flour:** With the mixer still running on medium speed, begin adding the remaining bread flour, ¼ cup at a time. Continue this process until the dough forms a cohesive, slightly sticky ball that, when touched, no longer adheres to your hands. It’s important to note that you may not need all 3 cups of flour; the exact amount can vary depending on factors such as humidity and the specific type of flour used. Stop adding flour as soon as the desired texture is achieved.
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**Incorporate Mini Chocolate Chips and Knead:** Add the ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough. Continue kneading the dough on medium speed for an additional 5-7 minutes. During this time, the dough should become smooth, elastic, and well-developed. The mini chocolate chips will be evenly distributed, and some will begin to melt slightly, creating an appealing marbled effect within the dough. Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to ensure it’s coated on all sides. Cover the bowl securely with greased plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free location and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 hour.
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**Punch Down and Rest:** Gently punch down the risen dough to release any trapped gases. This step contributes to a finer, more tender crumb in the final buns. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Cover these individual dough portions again with the greased plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to roll and shape into ropes for braiding.
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**Braid the Buns (as per “How to Create a 4-Strand Braided Bun” section above):** Work with each of the 8 dough pieces one at a time. Divide each into 4 equal strands. Roll each small piece into a 6-inch long rope. Lay two ropes horizontally and place the other two perpendicularly over them, alternating over and under to create a lattice. Take the four ropes that are “under” and pull them over the “over” ropes to their left, continuously braiding until a round bun is formed. Tuck all rope ends securely underneath to create a neat finish. Repeat this process for all 8 buns.
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**Second Rise and Preheat Oven:** Carefully place the beautifully braided buns onto a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Gently brush the tops of the buns with this wash. Cover the buns loosely with greased plastic wrap and allow them to undergo a second rise in a warm place until they have nearly doubled in size again, which typically takes about 1 hour. While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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**Final Egg Wash, Sprinkle, and Bake:** Just before placing them in the oven, brush the risen buns with the egg wash one more time. This double application ensures a beautiful, rich golden-brown crust. Then, generously sprinkle the tops of each bun with both coarse sugar and coarse salt, ensuring an even coating for that perfect sweet-salty crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are wonderfully golden brown and cooked through. For the best flavor and texture, serve these delectable **chocolate chip challah buns** immediately while they are warm.
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**Storage:** While these **salted mini chocolate chip challah buns** are undeniably at their peak freshness and flavor on the day they are baked, any leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To revive their soft texture and warm aroma on subsequent days, a quick gentle warm-up in the microwave or a few minutes in a toaster oven works wonderfully.
Tips for Baking Perfect Mini Challah Buns
Achieving bakery-quality **homemade challah buns** is wonderfully rewarding. Follow these simple tips to ensure your buns turn out perfectly every time:
- **Yeast Temperature is Crucial:** Always double-check the temperature of your butter, honey, and water mixture. It needs to be between 120-130°F (49-54°C). If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast, and your dough won’t rise. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly, resulting in dense, heavy buns.
- **Avoid Over-Flouring:** The dough for these challah buns should be soft and slightly sticky, but it shouldn’t cling excessively to your hands. Adding too much flour can lead to dry, tough, and less flavorful buns. Always add flour gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
- **Provide a Warm Rising Environment:** Yeast thrives in warmth. Find a warm, draft-free spot for both rises. A slightly warm (but turned off!) oven, a sunny countertop, or even near a warm appliance can provide the ideal environment for your dough to proof beautifully.
- **Handle Dough Gently:** After the first rise, deflate the dough gently. Avoid aggressive kneading or punching, as this can force out too much air and compromise the delicate, fluffy texture you’re aiming for.
- **The Magic of Egg Wash:** Don’t skip the egg wash! It’s responsible for that gorgeous golden-brown, shiny crust and helps the coarse sugar and salt adhere perfectly, creating a beautiful and flavorful topping.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Keep a close eye on your buns during the last few minutes of baking. They should be a rich golden brown. Overbaking can quickly lead to dry buns, so pull them out as soon as they reach that ideal color.
Delicious Variations for Your Challah Buns
While the **salted mini chocolate chip challah buns** are a masterpiece on their own, the beauty of homemade baking lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to customize your buns:
- **Nutty Additions:** For an extra layer of texture and flavor, try adding finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds along with the mini chocolate chips. Toasting them lightly beforehand can enhance their aroma.
- **Fruity & Sweet:** Introduce a different kind of sweetness by incorporating dried cranberries, golden raisins, or finely chopped dried apricots into the dough. These pair wonderfully with the rich challah.
- **A Citrus Burst:** A teaspoon or two of fresh orange or lemon zest can add a bright, fragrant counterpoint that complements the honey and chocolate beautifully, making the flavors pop.
- **Cinnamon Swirl Buns:** Instead of the coarse sugar and salt topping, you could roll out the individual ropes, sprinkle them with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, then roll them up before braiding for a delightful swirl effect inside.
- **Decadent Glaze:** For an even sweeter, more dessert-like treat, skip the coarse sugar and salt. Once the buns are cooled, drizzle them generously with a simple powdered sugar glaze (made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract).
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Buns
These **mini chocolate chip challah buns** are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, making them perfect for any occasion:
- **The Ultimate Breakfast Treat:** Serve them warm with your morning coffee, latte, or a soothing cup of tea. The rich, sweet dough and melting chocolate provide a luxurious start to your day.
- **Brunch Centerpiece:** They make a wonderful addition to any brunch spread, complementing fresh fruit platters, yogurt parfaits, and egg dishes beautifully.
- **Perfect Afternoon Snack:** A comforting and satisfying snack for both children and adults, ideal for a little pick-me-up during the day.
- **Unexpected Dessert:** For a truly decadent experience, serve a slightly warmed challah bun with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- **On-the-Go Convenience:** Their individual size makes them incredibly practical for packing in lunchboxes, taking to picnics, or grabbing for a quick, delicious treat when you’re short on time.
Nutrition Information (per bun, approximate values)
Calories: 326kcal, Carbohydrates: 49g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 78mg, Sodium: 181mg, Potassium: 101mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 292IU, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 1mg
We truly hope you’ll embark on the delightful journey of baking these **Salted Mini Chocolate Chip Challah Buns**! They are much more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to experience the profound joy of home baking and the exquisite pleasure of a perfectly balanced sweet and salty treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker accustomed to working with yeast doughs or someone new to the art of bread making, the incredibly rewarding outcome of these soft, chocolatey, and beautifully braided buns will make every minute spent in the kitchen feel immensely worthwhile. Get ready to impress your taste buds and loved ones with these unforgettable challah buns. Happy baking!