Ingredients
Scale
FOR DOUGH
- 1 packet (7 grams) active-dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (110° F)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature, divided
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup warm milk
- ½ to 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for oiling bowl
- 8 Marachino cherries to decorate
- 3 small plastic baby figurines (optional)
FOR CHOCOLATE PASTE
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Chocolate Abuelita tablet, grated (or 2/3 cup Abuelita Granulado)
Instructions
FOR DOUGH:
- Combine yeast and water in a small bowl. Let stand for at least 10 minutes until yeast turns foamy.
- Place 2 cups flour on a working surface. Make a well in the middle of flour and add sugar, butter, 2 eggs, vanilla extract and salt. Mix by hand, adding remaining flour ½ cup at a time until a smooth and lightly sticky dough is formed. Slowly add yeast mixture and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time to dough and knead for 5 to 7 minutes more until dough is completely smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and transfer (crease side down) to a large oiled bowl. Brush a small amount of oil with hands over surface of dough. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm area for 2 hours or until dough doubles in size. Meanwhile, prepare chocolate paste.
FOR CHOCOLATE PASTE:
- Beat butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Add flour and Abuelita chocolate and continue beating until completely mixed and a paste is formed. Divide chocolate paste into thirds.
- Deflate dough by pressing with fingers. Divide dough in half.
- Incorporate 2/3 chocolate paste in one half of the dough. Knead until dough changes color.
- Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roll 2 tablespoons dough in between palms of hand or on a surface making a 6 ½ -7” long strip. Repeat with chocolate dough. Twist both dough strips together, pinch ends together to form a circle or knot. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all dough is used, arranging the dough circles/knots in a larger circle (rosca shape). Dough twists make approximately 15-16 circles/knots. Optional: Wrap plastic baby figurines in the middle of a rolled out strip of dough. Make sure it is completely covered by dough.
- Cover dough knots with plastic wrap and place in a warm area to rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Shape the remaining 1/3 chocolate paste into 3-inch strips between the palms of your hands. Arrange them around the formed rosca, over the dough knots. Arrange Marachino cherries around rosca in centers of knots.
- Beat remaining egg. Brush rosca with beaten egg avoiding chocolate paste.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bread is golden brown.
Notes
You can also make the dough using a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot per serving