This stuffed chocolate dough pastry recipe is the perfect balance of a crunchy golden exterior and a soft, warm, chocolate-filled interior. A delicious and comforting treat, it’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, butter, and chocolate sprinkles creates a delectable pastry that is ideal for any time of day. Whether served as a dessert or a snack, this recipe brings warmth, richness, and a satisfying texture, making it a go-to choice for a homemade treat. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, making it a wonderful project for beginner bakers and those more experienced in the kitchen. If you’re craving something indulgent, this pastry is a delightful choice.
Preparation Time
- Active Preparation: 45 minutes
- Resting Time: 40 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 grams of all-purpose flour (for the butter dough)
- 125 grams of melted salted butter (for the butter dough)
- 250 grams of all-purpose flour (for the yeast dough)
- 2.5 grams of active dry yeast (almost 1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (for the yeast dough)
- 140 grams of warm water
- 25 grams of melted butter (for the yeast dough)
- A pinch of salt
- Chocolate sprinkles (as per taste)
- Vegetable oil or butter for frying
Directions
- Start by preparing the butter dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 200 grams of all-purpose flour and 125 grams of melted salted butter. Mix well until it forms a smooth and slightly sticky dough. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the 250 grams of all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly. Gradually pour in 140 grams of warm water, stirring continuously so the dough doesn’t become too sticky. Add 25 grams of melted butter and stir until fully combined.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Leave the dough to rest for 10 minutes, and then knead again for another 3 minutes.
- Once the dough is smooth, rest it for an additional 10 minutes.
- After resting, divide the dough into 6 equal parts.
- Roll each part of the dough into a small ball and then wrap it with the butter dough. Ensure that each piece of butter dough fully covers the yeast dough.
- Roll the dough out from the center to the edges to form an even, round shape. Then fold the dough into a long shape.
- Roll the dough further into a long, thin log. Sprinkle with a little flour if necessary to prevent it from sticking.
- Roll the dough tightly, ensuring it’s compact and uniform in thickness. Once rolled, cut the dough in half to form two long pieces.
- Press each piece of dough in the center to form a hole, creating a cavity to fill with chocolate sprinkles.
- Seal the dough by pinching the edges together, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Flatten the dough slightly and roll it out again to make it thinner.
- Let the dough rest for another 10 minutes before frying.
- Heat a pan with a little oil or butter over low heat. Fry the pastries on low heat, flipping every 1-2 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Continue frying until the dough turns golden brown and is cooked all the way through (approximately 6-7 minutes).
- Once cooked, remove from the pan and let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving (1 pastry)
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 180 mg
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe
Pastries filled with sweet ingredients like chocolate have a long history that stretches across many cultures. The concept of sweet-filled dough dates back to ancient civilizations, where pastries were often baked to symbolize wealth or celebration. In the 19th century, as chocolate became more accessible due to advancements in trade and production, the idea of filling dough with chocolate became increasingly popular in Europe. In France, the creation of filled pastries like pain au chocolat took off, spreading throughout Europe and eventually to the United States.
In modern times, this stuffed pastry has evolved and been adapted into many different forms, from simple fillings of chocolate to more intricate combinations with nuts, fruits, and even creamy fillings. The stuffed dough pastry you’re making today is a variant that draws inspiration from these traditions while adding a modern twist with the use of salted butter for extra flavor and richness. Thanks to its warm and indulgent flavor, this pastry remains a popular choice for breakfast, snacks, and desserts, especially in family settings. It’s easy to see why this pastry is still loved and cherished in many households around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stuffed chocolate dough pastry is a fantastic choice if you’re craving a sweet, comforting, and indulgent treat. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the steps are simple enough for even beginner bakers to follow. The dough is soft and pillowy, while the chocolate sprinkles inside provide a delightful surprise in each bite. Not only is this pastry perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, but it can also be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or as a snack to accompany a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your collection. The combination of buttery dough and chocolate creates a flavor profile that feels both decadent and homey, making it a wonderful choice for any occasion.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While this recipe isn’t the healthiest option in terms of low-fat or low-sugar content, it does offer a few benefits. The dough contains all-purpose flour, which is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your body throughout the day. The addition of yeast in the dough can be beneficial as it supports digestive health, as yeast helps promote a healthy gut microbiome. Furthermore, the salted butter offers some vitamins A and D, both of which are important for maintaining healthy skin and bones. Just remember, since this recipe is quite indulgent, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as a treat or occasional snack.
Serving Suggestions
This pastry can be enjoyed by itself or paired with a variety of beverages. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, try pairing it with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
Tips
- If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle with a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much as this can affect the texture of the pastry.
- Ensure the frying oil or butter is at a low heat to prevent burning the pastry’s exterior before the interior is fully cooked.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as Nutella, fruit preserves, or even peanut butter, for a unique variation on this recipe.
- Let the dough rest after kneading to ensure a soft and light texture in the finished pastry.
Variations to Try
- Nutella Filling: Instead of chocolate sprinkles, use Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread for a creamy, indulgent filling.
- Fruit Fillings: Use jam, preserves, or fresh fruit like berries as a filling for a fruity twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Add a bit of cinnamon to the dough or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the pastry before frying for a spiced flavor.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter for plant-based butter, and use a dairy-free chocolate spread to make a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
Conclusion
This stuffed chocolate dough pastry recipe brings a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With a golden and crispy exterior and a soft, chocolatey interior, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. The simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this recipe a great choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether served at breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this pastry will be a hit in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and fill the pastries a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just fry them fresh the next day for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed dough pastries?
A: Absolutely! After filling the dough, freeze the pastries before frying. When you’re ready to eat them, simply fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I use a different filling besides chocolate?
A: Definitely! Feel free to get creative with fillings like fruit jam, Nutella, or even sweet cream cheese for a variety of flavors.
Q: How do I store the leftover pastries?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them. To reheat, warm them in the oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.