Vienna Coffee Break
Vienna Coffee Break offers a delightful combination of rich cocoa, cinnamon, and sweet dough, perfect for a cozy snack or breakfast treat with a hint of European flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1/2 cup scalded milk, 1/4 cup shortening, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm.
- Add crumbled compressed yeast or active dry yeast, dissolved as directed on the package.
- Mix well and blend in the beaten egg.
- Add sifted flour and mix thoroughly.
- Knead on a floured board for a few minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth.
- Let rise in a warm place (85° to 90°F) until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch square.
- Combine cocoa, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle over the dough.
- Roll up the dough as for a jelly roll.
- Place the rolled dough on a greased baking sheet.
- Let rise in a warm place until almost double in bulk, about 1 1/4 to 2 hours.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar while warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of 2% or skim. You can substitute butter for shortening if desired, but it may alter the texture slightly. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cocoa mixture. Make sure to knead the dough well for a light texture. If you have leftover dough, it can be shaped into rolls or sweet breads.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful coffee break pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or tea. Serve it warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar, for a sweet treat. It can also be enjoyed alongside Sweet Sandwiches for a delightful brunch spread. Consider adding fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled Vienna Coffee Break tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vienna Coffee Break contains roughly 758 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 958mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe. Simply mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in the milk. Use the same amount, and the dough should rise well with this substitution.
How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels airy to the touch. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I add nuts or other fillings to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit can be added to the cocoa mixture before rolling the dough. Just be mindful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).