Chocolate, date and walnut buns
These Chocolate, Date, and Walnut Buns combine rich dark chocolate, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts, creating a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or snacks. The recipe involves simple yeast dough preparation, shaping, and baking, resulting in soft, flavourful buns.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 120 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp yeast1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
2.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp orange zest
1 egg
1/2 cup dark chocolate
1/2 cup dates
1/2 cup walnuts
Indulge your taste buds with these delectable Chocolate, Date, and Walnut Buns. Combining the richness of dark chocolate, the natural sweetness of dates, and the crunch of walnuts, this recipe promises a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, these buns offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress.
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, warm the milk until it's just lukewarm (not hot).
- Add the yeast and sugar to the milk, stirring until dissolved.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and cinnamon.
- Whisk together until well blended.
- Add the room temperature butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until you have a crumbly texture.
- Add the orange zest and mix well.
- Stir in the frothy yeast mixture and crack in the egg.
- Begin to mix the dough. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
- If you’re using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
- The dough should be smooth and elastic, but slightly sticky. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate, dates, and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all sides.
- Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.
- Cover the shaped buns with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
These Chocolate, Date, and Walnut Buns are a truly irresistible creation that will make any day special. The perfect balance of chocolate, fruit, and nuts wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough is bound to become a favorite. With a few simple tips and the right ingredients, you'll have a batch of delicious buns ready to enjoy with family and friends in no time.
Chocolate, date and walnut buns FAQ:
Bake the buns at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
After kneading, the dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the right consistency is achieved.
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it may affect the texture. You can also replace walnuts with pecans or omit them for nut-free buns.
Store the leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
You can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate, but this will alter the flavor profile, making it sweeter.
Tips:
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm (around 110°F/43°C) when adding the yeast to help it activate effectively.
- Chop the dates and walnuts into small, uniform pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- For an extra burst of citrus flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and avoid the pith, which can be bitter.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment to achieve the best texture for your buns.
- Brush the tops of the buns with a beaten egg before baking for a beautiful, glossy finish.
Nutrition per serving
10 ServingsCalories 310kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fiber 3.87g
Sugar 10g
Fat 22g
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