Braided Chocolate Twists

(from dennis.reb’s recipe box)

Categories: Breakfast Breads

Ingredients

  • Braided Chocolate Twists
  • 1 package cream cheese (softened, 8 ounces)
  • 2 sticks butter (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 eggs (divided 1 whole egg & 1 yolk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar in the raw
  • Chocolate Filling
  • 1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Directions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and butter.

  2. Beat until light and fluffy about 4 minutes. Add sugar and mix to combine.

  3. Add egg yolk and vanilla.

  4. Mix to combine.

  5. Add flour and mix until it just comes together. Turn dough out onto a floured surface.

  6. Form into two disks.

  7. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour.

  8. In a medium bowl, add chocolate, sugar, light brown sugar, and cocoa powder and mix to combine.

  9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  10. Place dough on floured surface.

  11. Roll into two large squares (12 × 12 inches each) a 1/4-inch thick.

  12. Brush one square with melted butter and sprinkle over topping.

  13. Brush the other square with butter.

  14. Place the other square of dough, butter side down, on top and press lightly together.

  15. Cut the dough in half, then each half into 1-inch strips totaling 21 strips.

  16. Braid three of the strips, seam-side facing up, pinch the ends together.

  17. Repeat with the remaining strips of dough. Place braids on the parchment lined baking sheet.

  18. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.

  19. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  20. In a small bowl whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water.

  21. Brush the braids with the egg wash.

  22. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

  23. Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

  24. Remove from the oven.

  25. Allow to cool on a baking rack.

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