Chocolate Hot Cross Buns: Rich, Decadent Easter Treats

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Hot Cross Buns. These delightful treats combine the traditional spiced Easter bun with rich chocolate for an irresistible twist that’s perfect for any spring celebration. Whether you’re preparing for Easter morning breakfast or simply craving something special to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these Chocolate Hot Cross Buns deliver comfort and luxury in every bite. The combination of fluffy dough, melted chocolate chips, and that iconic cross topping creates a memorable treat that connects us to centuries of tradition—with a modern chocolate upgrade that everyone will love.

As someone who has baked countless batches of Chocolate Hot Cross Buns over the years, I can promise that this recipe strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and innovation. The deep chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the subtle spice notes, creating a sensory experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Let me walk you through creating these special buns that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

• ✅ These Chocolate Hot Cross Buns with spices offer a perfect balance of traditional flavor with chocolate decadence
• ✅ Create the best Chocolate Hot Cross Buns for Easter celebrations with minimal effort
• ✅ This homemade Chocolate Hot Cross Buns from scratch recipe uses simple pantry ingredients
• ✅ Easy Chocolate Hot Cross Buns for beginners with foolproof step-by-step instructions
• ✅ These rich Chocolate Hot Cross Buns for festive occasions stay fresh for days
• ✅ Customize with unique Chocolate Hot Cross Buns flavor combinations to suit your taste

Ingredients for recipe

• 1½ cups milk
• 7g (1 packet) dried yeast
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar (for activating yeast)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 600g strong bread flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup caster sugar
• 150g dark chocolate chips
• 100g dark chocolate, melted

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup caster sugar
• ½ cup water
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend plus 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• Try recipe with orange zest by adding 2 tablespoons of fresh orange zest to the dough
• Make vegan recipewith almond milk by substituting dairy milk and using plant-based butter

How to Make Chocolate Hot Cross Buns – Step by Step

1. Warm the milk until lukewarm (not hot) – around 110°F (43°C).
2. Add the teaspoon of caster sugar and yeast to the warm milk.
3. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and activated.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, cocoa powder, and ¼ cup caster sugar.
5. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and melted butter.
6. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
8. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
9. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
10. Punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
11. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 90-100g each).
12. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
13. Arrange the buns on a lined baking tray, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
14. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
15. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
16. Melt the dark chocolate for the crosses in a microwave or double boiler.
17. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag with a small tip or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off.
18. Pipe crosses on top of each bun.
19. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
20. While baking, prepare the glaze by dissolving the sugar in water over low heat.
21. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
22. Brush the hot glaze over the warm buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
23. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best recipe

• The Yeast Test: Always make sure your yeast is active and bubbling before proceeding. If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it might be expired.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best dough texture, ensure your egg is at room temperature before mixing.
• Perfect Kneading: The dough should be slightly sticky but workable. If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Creating Uniformity: Weigh your dough portions to ensure all recipe bake evenly.
• Chocolate Selection: Use high-quality dark chocolate chips (50-70% cocoa) for the best flavor profile in your Chocolate Hot Cross Buns.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it slow-rise in the refrigerator overnight for even better flavor development.
• What’s the secret to the best Chocolate Hot Cross Buns? The key is not rushing the rising time—this develops both texture and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve recipe

These recipe are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Serve warm from the oven with a spread of salted butter that melts into the chocolate-studded interior
• Split and toast slightly, then add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a decadent dessert
• Pair with a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate afternoon treat
• Create a stunning recipe bread pudding with any leftovers
• For Easter brunch, serve alongside fresh fruits and a selection of cheeses for a beautiful spread

The best way to serve recipe is warm, either fresh from the oven or lightly toasted, allowing the chocolate chips to become slightly melty again.

Nutritional Information for recipe

Per serving (1 bun):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 65mg

For a lighter version of these recipe, you can reduce the chocolate chips to 100g and use low-fat milk.

Storage & Leftovers

How long do recipe last? These recipe will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled buns in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.

To refresh day-old recipe, sprinkle them lightly with water and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and complete the first rise, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping into buns for the second rise.

What’s the best way to store Chocolate Hot Cross Buns?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat when needed.

Can I make these buns without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can make recipe entirely by hand. Just be prepared for a bit of an arm workout during the kneading process.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version of these recipe. However, dark chocolate provides a more balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the dough.

Conclusion

These recipe are the perfect way to celebrate Easter or enjoy a special weekend treat. By combining the traditional spiced bun with rich chocolate, you get the best of both worlds—a respect for tradition with a modern twist that everyone will love. The process of making these recipe from scratch is as rewarding as enjoying the finished product, filling your home with irresistible aromas and creating memories around the table.

Whether you’re baking these Chocolate Hot Cross Buns for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers a foolproof way to create bakery-quality buns at home. Don’t forget to share your baking successes in the comments below, and tag us in your social media posts if you try this recipe!

Now you have all the knowledge needed to make the best Chocolate Hot Cross Buns that will impress everyone who tastes them. Happy baking!

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