Step 5: Make the Syrup Glaze
- While the buns bake, combine water and sugar in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved.
- Brush syrup over hot babkas right after they come out of the oven for that signature shine and added moisture.
🍽️ Serving Tips
- Serve warm: Fresh out of the oven is best — the chocolate is melty, and the dough is ultra-soft.
- Pair with: Coffee, hot chocolate, or a sweet dessert wine.
- Perfect for: Holiday platters, brunch tables, gifts, or afternoon tea.
🔄 Optional Variations
🧁 Nutty Chocolate Babka
Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts inside the chocolate filling for added crunch.
🍊 Citrus Twist
Mix a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough or chocolate filling for a fresh burst of flavor.
🌱 Vegan Version
Use dairy-free butter and chocolate, and replace milk with almond or oat milk. Swap eggs for ¼ cup applesauce or flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
🍯 Cinnamon Babka Buns
Replace the chocolate filling with a cinnamon-sugar mixture (½ cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon + 2 tbsp butter) for a cozy alternative.
✅ Final Thoughts
These Mini Chocolate Babka Buns deliver everything you love about traditional babka — deep chocolate flavor, delicate swirls, and buttery richness — in a compact, crowd-pleasing format. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring slowly with a cup of tea.
Whether you’re a babka beginner or a seasoned baker, this simplified small-batch version is a must-try. So roll, twist, and bake your way to the most adorable and delicious treat your kitchen has ever seen!