Why make this recipe
Chocolate Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on the traditional spiced buns. These soft and fluffy treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The combination of chocolate with the rich dough makes them an indulgent favorite. They are also fun to make, bringing the joy of baking into your kitchen. Whether for a holiday celebration or simply because you crave something sweet, these buns will surely satisfy your taste buds.
How to make Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
To get started, gather all your ingredients. You will need 250 ml of whole milk, 425 g of strong white bread flour, 50 g of cocoa powder, 65 g of caster sugar, 8 g of dried active yeast, 1/2 tsp of sea salt, 50 g of unsalted butter cold and cubed, 100 g of dark chocolate chips, 100 g of milk chocolate chips, 100 g of white chocolate chips, 2 medium eggs, 30 g of flour, 30 ml of water, and 1 tbsp of honey.
- Warm the whole milk in a pan until it is just steaming.
- In a large bowl, mix the strong white bread flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, caster sugar, and dried active yeast.
- Add the cold and cubed unsalted butter. Rub it between your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the warmed milk and eggs to the bowl and mix well.
- Knead the mixture for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the chocolate chips towards the end and continue kneading.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with clingfilm, and leave to rise for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, knead lightly on a floured surface and split into 12 equal balls. Place them on a lined tray.
- Cover with oiled cling film and leave to rise while preheating the oven to 200C/180C fan for 45-60 minutes.
- Mix the flour and water to create a paste, then pipe crosses on the buns.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes at 200C/180C fan.
- Brush lightly with honey if desired, and leave to cool fully. Enjoy your Chocolate Hot Cross Buns!
How to serve Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
You can serve Chocolate Hot Cross Buns warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but you can also spread a bit of butter on them for extra flavor. Pair these buns with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
How to store Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Store your Chocolate Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.
Tips to make Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot, as overheating can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which gives the buns their soft texture.
- Don’t skip the rising time; this step is crucial for fluffy buns.
- Experiment by mixing different types of chocolate chips for unique flavors.
Variation
If you want to try something different, you can add dried fruits like raisins or currants to the dough. You could also use different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ slightly. Strong white bread flour gives the best results.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added for an extra crunch.
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.