NEVER ENOUGH GARLIC

Chocolate buns! This time-honoured baked good is a favourite for a reason. But healthy and chocolate buns aren't exactly words we'd normally associate with each other. Which is why we thought we'd mix it up a bit with this recipe for vegan whole-wheat chocolate buns! That way, you don't have to feel guilty about eating too many at once - because let's face it, it happens (at least, it does to us). 

By the way, here's a pro tip: Eat these hot from the oven with a generous helping of vegan butter on top for the ultimate treat. And no, the butter doesn't count as unhealthy because these are healthier than the average chocolate bun, so they cancel each other out if you ask us.  

Ingredients (makes 10):

Buns:

• 250 g (2 cups) flour
• 325 g (2.5 cups) whole wheat flour
  
• 250 ml (1 cup) lukewarm water
• 175 ml (0.74 cups) plant milk (we used oat)
• 2 tsp. pink salt (or regular salt)
• 4 tsp. organic cane sugar
• 11 g (0.4 oz) active dry yeast 
• 80 g (3 oz) vegan dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips) - you can also use vegan milk chocolate if you prefer.
• 1 tbsp. hemp protein powder (optional)

For the "eggwash", mix:

• 25 ml (0.85 fl. oz) plant milk 
• 25 ml (0.85 oz) flour 

Instructions:

1. In a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, stir together the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 5 minutes. 
2. Add the salt and plant milk to the yeasty water. Little by little, add the three types of flour to the liquid while mixing on high speed. 
   
3. When all the flour is mixed in, the dough should stick to the dough hook, but it should still not separate completely from the bottom of the bowl.
4. Add the chocolate and mix it in.
5. Cover the mixer bowl with a damp kitchen towl, and let the dough rest for 1 hour.
6. Now it's time to form the buns. We made 10 buns out of the dough.
7. Place the buns on an oven tray covered with baking paper. Cover the buns with the damp kitchen towel from before and let them rise for 30 minutes. Use this time to preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
8. Mix together the 25 ml (0.85 fl. oz) plant milk and 25 ml (0.85 oz) flour to make the "eggwash". Take off the kitchen towel, and brush the buns with the mix.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven until golden.

Enjoy!