Babka

If you do not know what a babka is.....its chocolate swirl bread which is almost like cinnamon raisin swirl bread. Instead of making  bread, I opted to make small rolls.  These babies were so deliciously yummy when eaten warm.  The chocolate just oozes out of the rolls. A little extra work but worth it.

For the bread dough 

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 cup warmed whole milk

1/4 cup white sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

Dash of salt

2 tablespoons butter

For the filling

3 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Method

• Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and a dash of sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and whisk into the yeast mixture. Add flour and salt and stir until a dough forms. Put dough onto a floured surface.
• Knead with your hands for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Grease a mixing bowl with oil. Add dough to the bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap. Place in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size. Gently punch down the dough and let rest for about 10 minutes. Once rested, place the dough onto a floured surface. Roll and spread the butter to the top of the dough with a spatula. Mix the filling together by whisking the brown sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Sprinkle the filling onto the melted butter covering the dough liberally.
• Roll the dough into a 12-inch log (like a jelly roll). Then cut the dough in 1 in segments and place in a greased baking dish cut side up. Cover with foil and let rise again, about 45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake rolls for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. The chocolate filling will be oozing out. Serve warm with chocolate drizzle or icing.