Chocolate Panettone Recipe

 Embrace the spirit of the holidays with a decadent twist on a classic – homemade chocolate panettone! This rich, airy bread studded with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chunks combines timeless tradition with a modern indulgence. Forget store-bought versions; crafting your own panettone lets you customize flavors and savor the satisfaction of baking magic.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (512 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ cup (55 g) sugar
• 2½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1½ cups 2% or whole milk, lukewarm
• ½ cup boiling water
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• 1 cup (150 g) dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• Pearl sugar and icing sugar, for decoration

Instructions:

1. Rise to the Occasion: Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Mix lukewarm milk, boiling water, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and knead with a dough hook on low speed for 10 minutes. Add egg yolk and continue kneading for 5 more minutes, until dough becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Chocolate Dreams: Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed. Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape and Slice: Gently deflate the dough and divide it into two equal balls. Place each ball in a greased panettone mold or tall round cake pan. Cover and let rise again for 1-2 hours, until dough fills the molds.
4. Golden Glow: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the risen dough with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle generously with pearl sugar. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Sweet Finish: Let panettone cool completely in the mold before removing. Dust with icing sugar for an extra touch of magic.

Nutritional Information:

One slice of chocolate panettone (based on a 16-slice recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Sugar: 25 g
• Protein: 5 g

Tips and Tricks:

• Use good-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best flavor.
• Don't overmix the dough – stop once it becomes smooth and elastic.
• If you don't have panettone molds, use tall loaf pans instead.
• For a festive touch, add candied orange peel or dried cranberries to the dough.
• Wrap leftover panettone tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Forget ordinary desserts – homemade chocolate panettone is the ultimate holiday indulgence. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich chocolatey flavor, and festive appearance, this bread is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake memories you'll savor for years to come!