Nonna’s Chocolate Chip Sweet Buns

These Panini con Gocce di Cioccolato are soft, pillowy buns studded with chocolate chips and dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar.

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, these buns are a delightful treat that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why Nonna Suggests This Recipe

1. Soft and Fluffy: A tender dough that’s perfectly sweet and light.
2. Irresistible Chocolate: Chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
3. Simple Yet Elegant: The powdered sugar topping adds a touch of charm and sweetness.
4. Versatile Snack: Great with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
5. Traditionally Italian: A nostalgic recipe that brings the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen to your home.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 buns

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (100 g) chocolate chips

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

2. Add Chocolate Chips:

1. Gently knead the chocolate chips into the dough until evenly distributed.
2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Buns:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10–12 equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
3. Cover loosely with a cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Bake the Buns:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

5. Dust with Powdered Sugar:

1. Once the buns are cool enough to handle, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these buns warm or at room temperature. Pair them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate treat.

Nutritional Facts (Per Bun)

Tips by Nonna

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate: Choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor.
2. Soft Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading.
3. Add a Shine: For a glossy finish, brush the buns with a beaten egg before baking.
4. Freeze for Later: These buns freeze well. Reheat them in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
5. Enhance the Flavor: Add a hint of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

Chocolate Chip Sweet Buns

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, these buns are a delightful treat that will quickly become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10 Buns

Notes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (100 g) chocolate chips

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

---

2. Add Chocolate Chips:

1. Gently knead the chocolate chips into the dough until evenly distributed.
2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

---

3. Shape the Buns:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10–12 equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
3. Cover loosely with a cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.

---

4. Bake the Buns:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

---

5. Dust with Powdered Sugar:

1. Once the buns are cool enough to handle, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Keyword sweet buns,

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