Looking for the perfect balance between a soft, fluffy bread and a rich, creamy chocolate filling? Chocolate Cream Buns are the ultimate bakery-style treat you can make right in your own kitchen. These pillowy buns are filled with smooth chocolate cream and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a glossy chocolate glaze.
Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, a special dessert, or a surprise in a lunchbox, these buns deliver bakery-quality flavor and texture. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making them from scratch — no shortcuts, just honest, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Ingredients
Yields: 10–12 buns
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Chocolate Cream Filling:
- ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
- 100g dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Finish (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Or melted chocolate for glazing
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Baking time: 15–18 minutes
- Chill time for filling: 30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cream
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Remove from heat and pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 1 minute.
- Stir until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar if desired.
- Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes, then whip briefly for a lighter texture.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and divide into 10–12 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the buns for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Fill and Serve
- Use a piping bag with a round tip to fill each bun with chocolate cream from the side or bottom.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a glossy finish.
- Serve fresh or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with a cappuccino or warm milk for the ultimate comfort.
- Add berries or nuts inside for a flavor variation.
- Turn them into mini desserts by cutting in half and topping with whipped cream.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Bun (1 of 12) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 13 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 36 grams |
| Sugars | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 150 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Chocolate cream offers rich flavor and antioxidants from dark chocolate.
- Milk and egg provide protein and help make the dough tender and fluffy.
- Moderate portion sizes make these indulgent without being over-the-top.
Tips for Success
- For extra light dough, allow for a full first and second rise.
- Don’t overfill the buns to prevent bursting.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small spoon to make a hole and fill gently.
Fun Variations
- Add hazelnut spread instead of chocolate ganache.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips or orange zest into the dough for a flavor twist.
- Use white chocolate and coconut for a tropical version.
- Turn them into sandwich buns with banana slices or marshmallow fluff.
Chocolate Cream Buns bring together the charm of bakery classics and homemade comfort. With their ultra-soft bread and silky chocolate filling, they’re an irresistible treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you serve them fresh out of the oven or chilled for a creamier bite, these buns are bound to become a family favorite.