🍫 Soft Chocolate Chip Buns with Vanilla Cream

These soft and fluffy chocolate chip buns are filled with a creamy vanilla custard and loaded with dark chocolate chips. The combination of tender dough, rich chocolate, and smooth vanilla cream makes them a wonderful homemade treat.

📝 Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cream

• 2 egg yolks
• 80 g sugar
• 40 g cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 500 ml milk
• Butter, for the cream

For the Dough

• 250 ml lukewarm milk
• 7 g dry yeast or 25 g fresh yeast
• 70 g sugar
• Vanilla sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 80 g melted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 150–180 g dark chocolate chips

For Brushing

• 1 egg

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Cream

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla.
2. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously.
3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the butter and mix until smooth.
5. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Dough

1. Combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and salt.
2. Gradually add the flour and knead until a soft dough forms.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 1/2–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Add the dark chocolate chips and gently incorporate them into the dough.
5. Shape the dough into buns and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Cover and let them proof for another 40–50 minutes.
7. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F), using top and bottom heat, for 22–27 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

✨ Tips for Perfect Chocolate Buns

• Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, when adding the yeast.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
• Allow the vanilla cream to cool completely before using it as a filling.
• For the best chocolate flavor, use good-quality dark chocolate chips.
• Keep an eye on the buns during baking and remove them once they turn beautifully golden.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?

Yes. You can use 25 g fresh yeast instead of 7 g dry yeast.

Can I use milk chocolate chips?

Yes. Dark chocolate chips are recommended, but milk or semi-sweet chocolate can also be used.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a longer, slower rise.

How should I store the finished buns?

Store them in an airtight container. Because they contain a dairy-based cream filling, refrigeration is recommended for longer storage.

Can I make the buns without the vanilla cream?

Yes. The buns can be made with only the chocolate chips, but the vanilla cream adds extra richness and softness.