Homemade Chocolate Panettone

Mix the all-purpose flour and active dry yeast in a bowl

Add the lukewarm water and mix until a uniform dough forms

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes

In a stand mixer, beat the yeast starter (esponja), sugar, butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and vanilla essence

Add the all-purpose flour and salt, and beat until a homogeneous dough forms

Lightly grease your countertop with oil and roll out the dough

Fold in the chocolate chips and mix well

Divide the dough in half and place it into panettone molds

Let rise for 50 minutes in a draft-free area

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 50 minutes