Chocolate Swirl Bread

Step 1: Place the yeast and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and add the warm milk, stir to combine. Allow to sit until frothy. ⁠

Step 2: ⁠Add the butter, egg, flour, and salt. Beat on low speed This dough will be very soft. Form into a ball. If too sticky to handle, add 1-3 more Tablespoons flour.

Step 3: Place the dough into greased bowl, and cover. Place into a slightly warm environment to rise until doubled, roughly 60-90 min. (I leave my dough uncovered and place in the over with a pot of boiled water.)

Step 4: Once dough has risen, prepare your filling by melting butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Add remaining ingredients and mix till smooth.

TO ASSEMBLE

Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread with chocolate mix and roll the dough into a log the long way. Place the log seam-side down on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the log lengthwise down the center about 1" deep. Keeping cut side up, form an "S" shape and tuck both ends under. Let this rise again until double.

Step 7: Preheat oven to 350, and combine egg and milk . Brush risen loaf with egg wash and bake 25-30 min, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Combine water and sugar in saucepan over medium heat, stir till dissolved. When bread is done, brush with the syrup as soon as it is out of the oven. Do not let it cool.