Description
Chocolate Steamed Buns are soft, fluffy, and richly infused with cocoa flavor, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack time. This beginner-friendly recipe uses simple pantry staples and steaming to create irresistibly tender buns with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk or non-dairy alternative (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water with a pinch of sugar and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and milk (if using). Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour gradually if the dough is too sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide into equal portions and shape each into smooth balls. Place each bun on parchment squares to prevent sticking during steaming.
- Steam the Buns: Bring water to a boil in a steamer or pot. Arrange buns in the steamer basket with space between them. Cover and steam over medium-high heat for 12 to 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Cool and Enjoy: Carefully remove the buns and let them rest a few minutes before serving to set while remaining soft and warm.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast and check expiration for best results.
- Water should be warm, not hot, to properly activate yeast.
- Aim for a soft but slightly tacky dough that’s easy to knead.
- Allow enough rising time for fluffy texture.
- Do not open the steamer lid during cooking to avoid collapse.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: chocolate steamed buns, steamed bread, fluffy buns, cocoa buns, easy steamed bun recipe, breakfast buns, chocolate snack