Sweet Molasses Bread

🥘 Ingredients

• all-purpose flour 2 ¼ cups
• whole wheat flour 1 ¾ cups
• salt 1 ½ tsp
• cocoa powder 2 Tbsp
• instant yeast 1 ½ tsp
• lukewarm water 1 ¼ cups
• vegetable oil 2 Tbsp
• honey or maple syrup ¼ cup
• molasses 2 Tbsp
• cornmeal

1. 1

   In a large bowl , mix the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour , whole wheat flour , salt , cocoa powder , and instant yeast .
2. 2

   Add the wet ingredients: lukewarm water , vegetable oil , honey or maple syrup , and molasses . Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3

   Knead for 8 to 10 minutes by hand or in a stand mixer . When ready, the dough will feel tacky and smooth. If using a stand mixer, the dough should stick to the bottom of the bowl but not to your fingers.
4. 4

   Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 90 minutes .
5. 5

   Deflate the dough. Flour your work surface and divide the dough into 4 pieces.
6. 6

   Using your hands or a rolling pin , flatten each piece into a rectangle. Roll into a cylinder and pinch the seam to close.
7. 7

   Lightly dust a lined baking sheet with cornmeal (optional). Place the loaves on the sheet, leaving space between them as they will grow.
8. 8

   Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 40 minutes , or until the loaves have almost doubled and look puffy and light.
9. 9

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Just before baking, lightly sprinkle the loaves with more cornmeal for texture, if desired.
10. 10

    Uncover the loaves and bake for 30 to 35 minutes .
11. 11

    Let the loaves cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Once cooled, store in an airtight container or sealed bag.