Better Chocolate Babka | Chris F. Nicholson

Ingredients

• Dough
• 4 1/4 cups (530 grams) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• Grated zest of 1 small lemon or half an orange (our preference)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup water (cold is fine) and up to 1 to 2 tablespoons extra, if needed
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter (150 grams or 5.3 ounces) at room temperature
• Sunflower or other neutral oil, for greasing
• Filling
• 4 1/2 ounces (130 grams) dark chocolate (or approximately 3/4 cup chocolate chips)
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) unsalted butter, cold is fine
• Scant 1/2 cup (50 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon [optional]
• Syrup
• 1/3 cup water
• 6 tablespoons (75 grams) granulated sugar