Just a few more days til Valentine’s day… it’s time for you (and your bread) to rise to the occasion!
Pour all your love into the batter and get kneading because nothing spells care and effort more than fresh homemade challah. Trust me, I’m married 😋
Kidding aside, it’s ok if you don’t have a significant other in your life- Valentines can be about love for friends and family too. Just make sure you have enough challah for all of them. This recipe makes two big ones!
I always say that challahs are easier to make than you think, but I also can’t deny that there’s still a certain amount of care needed to make a perfect challah. It’s a labor of love, having to roll up our sleeves and slowly work with our hands.
Also, did you know that the circular shape of challah represents continuity, while its braiding symbolizes love and unity? That’s why it makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat!
Show your loved ones how much you care with this Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Challah recipe!
Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Challah
Author: Micah Siva
Makes 2 large challahs
Ingredients
- 1 package instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ cup lukewarm water, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup melted butter, unsalted
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 4 ½ -5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup chocolate chunks
Egg wash
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp water
- optional: 2 tbsp sugar, for dusting
Preparation:
- Combine yeast, sugar, and ½ cup water in a bowl of a stand mixer. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast starts to foam or “bloom”. **if the yeast does not bloom, you may need to get fresher yeast**
- Add remaining water, egg, egg yolks, honey, butter, vanilla and salt, mixing on low to combine. Replace the paddle for the dough hook.
- Add flour, one cup at a time, mix on low using the dough hook. Knead the dough until smooth and no longer sticky, adding more flour as needed. Transfer to a clean, oiled bowl. Cover with a clean, damp towel, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough to remove any air bubbles, and transfer to a floured surface.
- Cut into 6 even pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, approximately 14 inches long. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Braid 3 strands together, shaping into a heart. Transfer to a line baking tray.
- Make the egg wash: whisk together egg and water. Brush with egg wash, and top with sugar.
- Bake for 40 minutes, turning the tray halfway through and brushing with additional egg wash.
In the mood for more sweet snacks? Click here for my sweet + snacks recipes! You won’t be disappointed!
Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Challah
Ingredients
- 1 package instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 cup lukewarm water, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup melted butter, unsalted
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 4 1/2 - 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup chocolate chunks
- 1 egg Egg wash
- 2 tbsp water Egg wash
- 2 tbsp sugar, for dusting, optional Egg wash
Instructions
- Combine yeast, sugar, and ½ cup water in a bowl of a stand mixer. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast starts to foam or “bloom”. **if the yeast does not bloom, you may need to get fresher yeast**
- Add remaining water, egg, egg yolks, honey, butter, vanilla and salt, mixing on low to combine. Replace the paddle for the dough hook.
- Add flour, one cup at a time, mix on low using the dough hook. Knead the dough until smooth and no longer sticky, adding more flour as needed. Transfer to a clean, oiled bowl. Cover with a clean, damp towel, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough to remove any air bubbles, and transfer to a floured surface.
- Cut into 6 even pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, approximately 14 inches long. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Braid 3 strands together, shaping into a heart. Transfer to a line baking tray.
- Make the egg wash: whisk together egg and water. Brush with egg wash, and top with sugar.
- Bake for 40 minutes, turning the tray halfway through and brushing with additional egg wash.