Make the yeast mixture by mixing together ½ cup warm water, the yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Set aside to let it proof.
½ cup Warm Water, 1 tablespoon Liquid Honey, 1½ tablespoon Quick Rise Yeast
Combine in the bowl of a stand mixer, the rye flour, 2 cups of the white flour, the cocoa powder, and the salt. Attach the dough hook to the machine and mix the dry ingredients.
2 cups Dark Rye Flour, 3½ cups All Purpose Flour, 2 teaspoon Salt, ¼ cup Dark Cocoa Powder
Add to the dry ingredients, the yeast mixture, melted butter, the remaining honey, and the warm water. Mix until the wet and dry ingredients come together. Notice that the batter will be very wet at this point.
½ cup Unsalted Butter, 3 tablespoon Liquid Honey, 1½ cup Warm Water
Add the remaining 1 ½ cup of all purpose flour to the mixture bowl. Keep mixing the dough until it comes together in a ball, about 5 minutes on low-medium speed.
Notice that the dough will be ready when it comes away from the sides, it should be tacky but not sticky.
Transfer the ball of dough to a clean bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and/or a clean tea towel and let it rest for 20 minutes.