Chocolate Chip Viennese Baguettes

Soft, sweet, and delicately enriched bread dotted with chocolate chips – the perfect breakfast or snack treat.

Introduction

Baguettes Viennoises are a tender, milk-enriched French bread, much softer and sweeter than the traditional crusty baguette. Originating from Vienna but popularized by French bakeries, these loaves are light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, often enjoyed for breakfast or goûter (afternoon snack). When you add chocolate chips, you elevate them to a treat that’s almost like a pastry — indulgent, yet refined.

Perfect for children and adults alike, Chocolate Chip Viennese Baguettes are incredibly versatile. Slice them and spread with butter or jam, enjoy them warm from the oven, or turn them into an extra-special French toast or bread pudding.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or hand mixer with dough attachments)
• Large mixing bowl
• Kitchen scale (for accuracy)
• Dough scraper
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose or bread flour
• 60g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 15g (1 tbsp) active dry yeast or 25g fresh yeast
• 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, lukewarm
• 1 large egg
• 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100–150g (2/3 to 1 cup) chocolate chips or chocolate chunks

For Finishing:

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
• Optional: pearl sugar for sprinkling

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Warm the milk (not hot – about 100°F/38°C).
2. Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the yeast mixture and the egg.
3. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until the ingredients come together.
4. Gradually add the softened butter, a few cubes at a time, until fully incorporated.
5. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It will be slightly sticky, but should pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
2. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

1. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it.
2. Add chocolate chips and knead lightly by hand to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Shape the Baguettes

1. Divide the dough into 3 or 4 equal pieces.
2. Shape each into a baguette shape (about 8–10 inches long), rolling gently to form an even log.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving room between each loaf.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped loaves with a clean cloth.
2. Let rise again for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Brush the tops of the loaves with egg wash.
3. Using a sharp knife or blade, make 2–3 shallow diagonal slashes across the top.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Optional: Sprinkle with pearl sugar before baking for added sweetness and crunch.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality chocolate chips: Dark or semi-sweet chips balance the sweetness of the bread.
• Don’t over-flour the dough: It should remain slightly tacky — over-flouring can make it dry.
• Let the butter soften: Cold butter won’t incorporate evenly.
• Chill the dough before shaping (optional): If too sticky, a short chill makes shaping easier.

Recipe Variations

• Raisin and Cinnamon Viennoise: Swap out chocolate for raisins and add 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Nutella-Stuffed Version: Flatten the dough slightly and spread Nutella inside before rolling into baguette shape.
• Mini Viennoises: Make smaller individual rolls instead of full loaves — great for lunchboxes.
• Orange Zest Twist: Add zest of 1 orange to the dough for a fresh flavor pairing with chocolate.

Make It Fit Your Diet

For Dairy-Free:

• Substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

For Reduced Sugar:

• Reduce sugar in the dough or skip pearl sugar topping.
• Use sugar-free chocolate chips if needed.

For Egg-Free:

• Replace the egg in the dough with 60ml (1/4 cup) unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.
• Skip the egg wash or brush with plant milk and a touch of maple syrup.

How to Store & Reheat

• Room Temperature: Store cooled loaves in an airtight bag for 2–3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and refresh in the oven.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to revive softness and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Chip Viennese Baguettes are wonderfully versatile:

• Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate for breakfast.
• Slice and toast lightly, then spread with salted butter.
• Turn into French toast for an extra indulgent brunch.
• Use as the base for a luxurious bread pudding.

Why You’ll Love These Baguettes

• Soft, rich, and satisfying – a treat that lies somewhere between bread and pastry.
• Family-friendly – loved by kids and grown-ups alike.
• Simple ingredients, bakery-worthy results – no special equipment needed.
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking – all-day deliciousness!

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Viennese Baguettes bring the best of French baking into your home — tender, buttery loaves laced with melty bits of chocolate. They’re easy enough for home bakers and impressive enough for guests. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or turned into a decadent dessert, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, soft bread.

So preheat your oven, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to fall in love with the comforting aroma and indulgent flavor of homemade Viennoises aux Pépites de Chocolat. ✨