Chocolate Cranberry Challah Rolls with Citrus Sugar

The high holidays are almost over, and so by my clock time for another sweet challah recipe for the New Year. And one of the easiest ways to make a sweet, crowd-pleasing challah is to add chocolate chips, of course.

Chocolate chip challah on its own is delicious and doesn't need much other than a little vanilla and cinnamon. But it's also great when you make double chocolate challah with a chocolate dough or peanut butter and crumb topping. But this High Holiday season I wanted something that was simple, sophisticated and maybe just a little fancy all at the same time.

If you've never made challah rolls, they are so easy. In fact, sometimes I find them even easier than braiding a regular challah. I suggest using a kitchen scale to measure 2.5-3 oz pieces so the rolls are as uniform as possible. By measuring your rolls, you also ensure they will bake evenly. 

If citrus isn't your thing, just top with a sprinkle of thick sea salt or substitute with a cinnamon-sugar topping. This can also be made with dried cherries instead of cranberries, another favorite combination.

Ingredients

For the challah:

1 1/4 cups lukewarm water

1 1/2 Tbsp dry yeast

1 tsp sugar

4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

1/2 Tbsp salt

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

2 eggs

1/2 cup dark or semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup dried cranberries

For the topping:

2 egg yolks + 1 tsp water

1/2 cup sanding sugar

1/2 Tbsp orange zest

Directions

In a small bowl, place yeast, 1 tsp sugar and lukewarm water. Allow to sit around 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top.

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix together 11/2 cups flour, salt, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. After the water-yeast mixture has become foamy, add to flour mixture along with oil. Mix thoroughly.

Add another cup of flour and eggs and mix until smooth. Switch to the dough hook attachment if you are using a stand mixer.

Add another 1-11/2 cups of flour, mixing thoroughly and then remove from bowl and place on a floured surface. Knead remaining 1/2 cup flour into dough, continuing to knead for around 5 minutes. Try not to add too much flour-the less flour you add, the lighter the challah.

Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp towel. Allow to rise 3-4 hours, punching down at least once if possible.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine 1/2 cup sanding sugar and 1/2 Tbsp fresh orange zest in a small bowl. Set aside.

Braid challah into desired shape. Allow challah to rise another 45-60 minutes, or until you can see the size has grown and challah seems light.

In a small bowl, beat 2 egg yolks with 1 tsp water.

Brush egg wash liberally over challah. Sprinkle citrus sugar on top.

If making one large challah, bake around 28-30 minutes; if making two smaller challahs, bake 24-26 minutes. If making rolls, bake 20-22 minutes or until golden on top.

Shannon Sarna is the editor of The Nosher.

The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.TheNosher.com.