Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Muffins

Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Muffins

DOUGH

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed 110 degrees

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons instant rapid rise yeast

1 large egg at room temperature

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

  • Using a stand mixer, use a paddle to combine the milk, sugar and yeast, stirring to blend.
  • Add the egg, flour and salt mixing on low until a sticky dough begins to form.
  • Mix in the butter until well blended with no remaining chunks.
  • Switch to a dough hook and knead on low for about 10 minutes. The dough will be loose and sticky.
  • Butter a large bowl.  Add dough, cover with tea towel and let rise until doubled in a warm place. This will take 1-2 hours.

FILLING

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

pinch of salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

  • Chop chocolate pieces in a food processor until small coarse pieces.
  • Add brown sugar, cinnamon and salt and pulse until coarse crumbs.
  • Set aside.

EGG WASH

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon heavy cream

  • Whisk together until well blended.

STREUSEL TOPPING

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup all purpose flour

3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

  • In a small bowl combine the brown sugar and flour.
  • Cut the butter in with a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Set Aside.

ASSEMBLY

  • VERY GENEROUSLY butter 12 muffin tins OR use muffin papers for easier clean up.
  • Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface.  Gently depress the center to deflate.  Let rest 5 minutes.
  • Roll the dough into a 12×20 rectangle.  (flour as needed to prevent sticking)
  • Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough.
  • Roll the dough into a tight log.
  • Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces (HINT: I now use dental floss for all this type of cutting.  You get a good clean cut every time.)
  • Place each piece into you prepared tin or papers.
  • Cover with your tea towel and let rise 30 minutes or so.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • After 30 minutes, brush tops with the egg wash.
  • Sprinkle each with the streusel topping.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and brown around the edges.
  • Cool completely on wire racks in the tin. (I use the papers because I like them warm, but the come out of the tins better cool).