Are you dreaming of warm, gooey chocolate chip bread, but short on time? Forget battling sticky dough and messy countertops! Your trusty bread machine is about to become your new best friend. This recipe delivers perfectly chewy, intensely chocolatey bread with minimal effort, making it a fantastic addition to your easy recipes collection. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is designed to be simple and foolproof, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought loaves. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen – it's the perfect homemade cooking experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Place the warm water in your bread machine pan. Add the yeast and sugar; let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be old and you'll need a fresh batch.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients
Add the salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Next, add 2 1/2 cups of the flour. Finally, sprinkle in the chocolate chips.
Step 3: Bread Machine Magic
Close the lid of your bread machine and select the "dough" cycle. Most bread machines have a setting specifically for making dough. Let the machine mix and knead the dough according to the manufacturer's instructions – typically around 1 hour.
Step 4: Shaping the Loaf
Once the dough cycle is complete, gently remove the dough from the pan. Lightly flour a surface and shape the dough into a loaf. You can either place the shaped loaf back into the greased bread pan or place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Step 5: Second Rise & Baking
Place the loaf in the bread machine (or conventional oven) and select the "bake" cycle. Alternatively, if using a conventional oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying!
Remove the bread from the machine or oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents a soggy interior.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Bread:
- Fresh Yeast is Key: Using fresh yeast is crucial for a successful rise. Check the expiration date on your yeast package.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough bread. Once the ingredients are combined, let the bread machine do its work.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips – dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate would be delicious additions!
- Add-ins: Get creative! Nuts, dried fruit, or even cinnamon chips can be added to this recipe for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Bread: Mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar and swirl it into the dough before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, a slice of this bread contains approximately:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick and healthy dinner option. Enjoy this homemade bread – it's the perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes!