Step 1

Step 1In the bowl of a kitchen mixer, such as a KitchenAid fitted with a paddle attachment, add the flour and the salt, mix well.

Step 2

Step 2Add the hot water and pulse to blend. Add the cold water and pulse on and off to incorporate. (Note: the dough will not look perfect just yet, don’t panic).

Step 3

Step 3Remove the paddle attachment and replace with a dough hook. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 4

Step 4Using your hands, form the dough into a ball and lightly dust it with flour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20 minutes on the counter if making right away or in the refrigerator if making later.

Step 5

Step 1For the Ganache: In a small saucepan, add the chocolate, heavy cream and place over a low flame. Bring a simmer and remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes and whisk to blend.

Step 6

Step 2Transfer the ganache to a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 7

Step 3Once the ganache has set, remove from the refrigerator. Using a melon baller teaspoon (and your hands), roll the ganache into small balls. Place on a plate and repeat until you have used up all the ganache. Place in the refrigerator until needed.

Step 8

Step 4Assembling the Chocolate Xiao Long Bao: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide into 2 equal pieces. Take one piece (cover the remaining piece with plastic wrap) and roll it into a long thin log. Using pastry scraper or paring knife, cut dough into smaller pieces weighing between 4.8-5.2 grams per piece. Work one dough ball at a time, while keeping the remaining dough covered with plastic wrap. (Note: This part is critical, you must weigh the dough on a kitchen scale to get the right amount. This range allows for the wrappers to be rolled out as thin as needed for the right texture).

Step 9

Step 5Remove the ganache balls from the refrigerator and set near your work station. Roll one of the dough balls between your palms to get a nice, round, smooth ball. Using a rolling pin, roll it out flat to about 3″ round.

Step 10

Step 6Place a ganache ball in the middle of the dough circle. Pinch pleat all the way around as shown in the video link above. Repeat with the remaining dough and ganache. This recipe will yield a bit more dough than needed, but that was to allow for errors when assembling/folding.

Step 11

Step 7Steaming the Dumplings: Line the steamer with a piece of parchment paper with small holes (made by a paring knife) at the bottom to allow the steam to escape. Place a few Xiao Long Bao in the steamer being careful not to overcrowd them. Steam over medium heat for 5 minutes. Serve the chocolate Xiao Long Bao right away directly from bamboo steamer. Repeat with the remaining Xiao Long Bao.