1. Prepare the ingredients, gathering strong white bread flour, golden caster sugar, dried yeast, salt, milk (or almond milk for vegan versions), softened butter, eggs (optional for vegan), orange zest or extract, and dark chocolate.
2. Mix the dough by combining flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add in the milk, softened butter, eggs (if using), orange juice, and zest. Stir until it forms a rough dough.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is elastic and smooth, developing the gluten for structure.
4. Prove the dough by placing it in a bowl covered with a damp towel or cling wrap, allowing it to double in size in a warm place for 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Prepare the filling by melting dark chocolate, letting it cool slightly. Gather additional options like chocolate drops or candied orange pieces if desired.
6. Punch down the risen dough to release the air and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
7. Spread the cooled melted chocolate evenly across the rolled-out dough’s surface, and sprinkle with chocolate drops or orange additions if using.
8. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, then cut into strips. Twist each strip to create a spiral shape.
9. Arrange the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them prove again for 30-45 minutes to expand further.
10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan or gas mark 4) to prepare for baking.
11. Bake the twists for 10-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden and puffed up.
12. Create a glaze by mixing orange juice with icing sugar, and drizzle it over the warm twists immediately after removing them from the oven.
13. Cool the twists slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to enhance.
14. Serve the chocolate and orange twists warm or at room temperature as a delightful treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.