Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread

Let’s make it

1. 1

   Bread dough

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to combine.

2. 2

   Bread dough

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the warm whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and room temperature egg until fully combined.

3. 3

   Bread dough

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a sticky dough forms.

4. 4

   Bread dough

   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

5. 5

   Filling

   While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using) together until smooth and spreadable.

6. 6

   Assembly

   When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 40 cm by 30 cm (16 inches by 12 inches).

7. 7

   Assembly

   Spread the prepared butter and sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top of the buttered dough.

8. 8

   Assembly

   Cut the dough into strips about 4 cm (1.5 inches) wide. Stack the strips on top of each other to form a stack. Now cut the stack into 4 equal pieces.

9. 9

   Assembly

   Grease a loaf pan. Place the pieces of dough standing upright next to each other in the pan, so the chocolate chips are visible between the layers. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

10. 10

    Baking

    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.