Activate the yeast

• Combine the water, yeast and part of the sugar.
• Let it foam up for a few minutes.

Make the dough

• Combine the yeast mixture, flour, remaining sugar, cocoa powder, eggs and soft butter.
• Knead until smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise

• Cover and let rise until tripled in size.

Shape the buns

• Cut the dough into equal portions, keeping some aside for the ears.
• Form each portion into a ball and roll out into a round.
• Place a spoonful or two of filling in the center and pinch to close up the ball.
• Flatten slightly and place two small rounds of reserved dough on top of the head as ears.

Second rise

• Let the shaped buns rise.

Brush and bake

• Brush the buns with egg wash.
• Bake at 165 °C until golden and cooked through.