Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast or 18 grams fresh yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon lukewarm water
• 4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
• 1 cup unsweetened chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Stir the first 3 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa and salt in another bowl. Stir 1 1/4 cups water, the egg yolk and butter into dissolved yeast; then stir in the flour mixture, 1 cup at a time, with your hands. Stir in the chocolate chips last. Knead on a lightly floured surface until velvety, elastic and moist, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. If done in a mixer, follow the same stages but add the chocolate chips together with the flour using the paddle. When it is blended, change to the dough hook and knead 2 minutes at low speed then 2 minutes at medium speed.
3. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise about 2 hours.
4. Punch the dough down and cut in half. Shape into round loaves and place on an oiled baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, reduce the heat to 375 degrees F and bake 30 minutes longer. Cool on a rack. Slice and enjoy for breakfast or a snack.