Babka

Ingredients

• Milk (2 tablespoons)
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
• Cocoa powder (1/4 cup)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened)
• Semi (sweet chocolate - 6 ounces, chopped)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• All (purpose flour - 3 cups)
• Eggs (2)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Warm milk (1/2 cup)
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Mix well.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. In a small bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, softened butter, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well to form a chocolate filling.
8. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.
9. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
11. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the chocolate filling.
12. Twist the two halves together, creating a braided effect.
13. Transfer the babka to a greased loaf pan and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
14. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake the babka for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
16. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
17. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled babka.
18. Slice and serve the chocolate babka, and enjoy!