Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, instantly transforming my space into a cozy haven. This Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect recipe for those moments—where soft, fluffy dough meets sweet, melty chocolate chips, inviting everyone to dive in and savor each glorious bite. Not only is this delightful treat a show-stopper for brunch gatherings, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, ensuring you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the company of friends and family. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion, this bread is sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Are you ready to pull apart some deliciousness? Why is This Bread So Irresistible? Melt-in-Your-Mouth texture: The unique pull-apart design creates tender pieces that are impossible to resist, making each bite a true delight. Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, anyone can master this recipe, even baking novices! Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet bursts of mini chocolate chips in each fluffy piece, perfect for sharing at brunch or snack time. Customizable: Feel free to substitute mini chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit for a unique twist, catering to diverse preferences. Interested in more chocolate treats? Check out our delicious Double Chocolate Chip Cookies or the indulgent Chocolate Croissant Bake for more inspiration! Perfect for Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual weekend breakfast, this bread adds a touch of warmth and love to any meal! Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Ingredients For the Dough • Active Dry Yeast (1/4-oz. packet) – Essential leavening agent for a fluffy texture; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise. • Whole Milk (1/2 cup, warmed to 110°) – Hydrates the dough and activates yeast; non-dairy milk can work too! • Unsalted Butter (7 Tbsp., softened) – Provides rich flavor and moisture; feel free to substitute with margarine or a vegan option. • All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups, plus more for dusting) – The backbone of the bread; gluten-free flour blends can be used but might change the texture. • Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup, packed) – Adds a depth of sweetness and moisture; granulated sugar can be a substitute. • Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp.) – Elevates flavors; sea salt is a great alternative. • Large Egg (1) – Binds the dough and adds richness; for an egg-free option, try a flax egg or applesauce. • Granulated Sugar (3 Tbsp.) – Sweetens the dough; adjust to your preference if needed. For the Chocolatey Goodness • Mini Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Melty pockets of chocolate flavor in every bite; consider dark or milk chocolate chips as alternatives. For Assembly • Cooking Spray – Prevents sticking; any non-stick spray can work in a pinch! Your delightful Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread awaits, bursting with flavor and texture to brighten your gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Step 1: Bloom Yeast In a small bowl, combine the warmed whole milk (110°F) with the active dry yeast. Gently stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This vital step activates the yeast, ensuring your Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread rises beautifully. Step 2: Prepare Dough In a stand mixer bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and kosher salt until creamy. Add the egg and the bloomed yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough begins to form, ensuring it incorporates all flour thoroughly. Step 3: Knead Dough Once the dough has come together, knead it either by hand on a floured surface or using the stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, giving your Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread its delightful texture. Step 4: First Rise Place the kneaded dough in a large, greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Look for a fluffy, airy dough that will form the base of your delicious bread. Step 5: Shape & Fill Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out into a rectangle. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the surface, then cut the dough into squares or strips. Stack the pieces to create those signature pull-apart layers, and prepare it for the second rise. Step 6: Second Rise Arrange the stacked dough pieces in a greased loaf pan, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Cover the pan with a towel, allowing it to rise for another 30-45 minutes, until the dough has puffed up again. You’ll know it’s ready when it has visibly expanded. Step 7: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has completed its second rise, place the loaf pan in the oven, baking for about 25-30 minutes. The Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and springs back lightly when touched. Step 8: Cool & Serve After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Gently pull apart slices and serve them warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the melty chocolate and soft, fluffy bread. This treat is simply irresistible! Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Fresh Yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh; expired yeast won’t rise well, resulting in a dense bread. Perfect Milk Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the milk is around 110°F; too hot can kill the yeast and ruin your Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread. Avoid Over-Kneading: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can make the bread tough instead of fluffy. Customize Filling: Experiment with different fillings like nuts or dried fruit for a delightful twist, but remember to balance flavors for the best result! Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool slightly before pulling apart; this will help maintain its structure and enhance the overall texture. How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Room Temperature: Store your Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and soft. Refrigerator: If you’d like to extend its lifespan, place the bread in the fridge in an airtight container; it will stay good for about a week, though the texture may change slightly. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual pieces of the bread in a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Thawing: Let frozen bread sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. You can also pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick warm-up! Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful bread to suit your taste and dietary needs! Nutty Indulgence: Replace mini chocolate chips with walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Nuts add a lovely texture that complements the softness of the bread. Fruity Burst: Swap chocolate chips for dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. The tartness from the fruit pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bread. Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough for a fresh and zesty flavor. This brightens up the overall taste, making each bite invigorating! Spiced Surprise: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, fragrant touch. This adds a cozy element, perfect for chilly mornings or holiday gatherings. Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a dairy-free butter substitute. This ensures everyone can enjoy a piece of this deliciousness without missing out. Decadent Chocolate: Go for dark or even white chocolate chips instead of mini chips for a richer chocolate experience. Each piece becomes a luxurious treat that chocolate lovers will adore! Savory Twist: Add some shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, to the layers for a unique savory pull-apart bread. This unexpected twist is perfect for brunch with a slightly different flair. For more delightful chocolate recipes, try our delicious Double Chocolate Chip Cookies or indulge in our mouthwatering Chocolate Croissant Bake for more chocolatey goodness! Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor delicious homemade goodness without the time crunch. To start, prepare the dough and let it rise as directed, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This slow rise will enhance the flavor and texture of the bread. Alternatively, you can shape the dough pieces and arrange them in the loaf pan, covering it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply allow the dough to come back to room temperature, about 30 minutes, then proceed with the second rise and bake as instructed. This way, you can enjoy that warm, melty chocolate treat with minimal effort on busy mornings! What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Imagine a cozy brunch gathering filled with laughter and warmth, where this decadent bread takes center stage alongside delightful pairings. Fresh Berries: Juciy berries bring a refreshing contrast to the sweet bread, adding a pop of color and flavor to your plate. Velvety Cream Cheese Frosting: A slather of this creamy frosting enhances the sweetness, making each bite a luscious treat. Just think of the heavenly combination! Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide a savory counterpoint, balancing the sweetness of the caramelized chocolate in each soft pull-apart piece. Warm Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee brings out the rich chocolate notes while providing that perfect morning lift. The combination is sheer bliss! Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzling maple syrup over the warm bread adds an extra layer of sweetness, creating a delightful morning indulgence. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar elevates the experience with a warm, cozy flavor, making the bread feel even more special. Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, complements the sweetness beautifully, creating a balanced pairing that soothes and delights. Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread? When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh active dry yeast for optimal rising. You can check the yeast’s freshness by mixing it with warm milk—if it froths within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go! For the milk, ensure it’s warmed to around 110°F; this temperature is essential for activating the yeast without killing it. The mini chocolate chips should also be of good quality for that melty goodness in every bite. How should I store Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread? Store your Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its lifespan, refrigerate it in an airtight container for about a week. Just note that the texture might change a bit in the fridge, so for the best results, enjoy it fresh! Can I freeze Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread? Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to make your delicious bread last. To do this, place individual pieces in a resealable freezer bag, ensuring they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat your oven to 350°F and warm them for about 10-15 minutes or let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise? If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be a sign that your yeast was inactive or the milk was too hot when combined. To troubleshoot, always ensure the milk is not exceeding 110°F when blooming the yeast. If the dough remains stubborn after the first rise, give it another warm location to rise or extend the rising time. Sometimes a little patience can work wonders! Can I make Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread vegan? Absolutely! To transform this recipe into a vegan delight, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes until thick) and use non-dairy butter or margarine instead of unsalted butter. You can also use your choice of non-dairy milk to keep it plant-based. What can I do if I want to add more flavor? The more the merrier when it comes to adding flavor! You can sprinkle in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or even citrus zest into the dough for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider including chopped nuts or dried fruits alongside the chocolate chips to create a delightful medley of flavors. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread Recipe No ratings yet This Chocolate Chip Pull-Apart Bread is a sweet, fluffy treat perfect for brunch gatherings, featuring melty chocolate chips and easy preparation. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 45 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsRising Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1/4 oz. Active Dry Yeast Essential leavening agent for a fluffy texture.1/2 cup Whole Milk Warmed to 110°F.7 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter Softened.2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour Plus more for dusting.1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar Packed.1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt1 Large Egg3 Tbsp. Granulated SugarFor the Chocolatey Goodness1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips Melty pockets of chocolate flavor.For AssemblyCooking Spray Prevents sticking. Equipment Stand mixerLoaf Panbowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small bowl, combine the warmed whole milk (110°F) with the active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.In a stand mixer bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and kosher salt until creamy. Add the egg and the bloomed yeast mixture, then gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or using the stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise for about 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle, and sprinkle mini chocolate chips before cutting it into squares or strips.Arrange the stacked pieces in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before pulling apart and serving warm. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesStore in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Can freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
