Decadent chocolate hot cross buns recipe. Learn pro baking tech for rich, spiced buns with a glossy cross. Your ultimate guide to homemade Easter treats.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
4 cups bread flour
â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 large egg, room temperature
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
5 tbsp water
2 tbsp apricot jam
1 tbsp water
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together the bread flour, cocoa powder, the remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine and Knead: Pour the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a rough dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Add Chocolate: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Buns: Punch the dough down. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the buns rise again for another 30-45 minutes, until they’re puffy.
Preheat and Pipe Crosses: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For the crosses, mix the 6 tbsp flour with 5 tbsp water to form a thick paste. Pipe a cross onto each bun.
Bake: Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Glaze: Warm the apricot jam and 1 tbsp of water in a small saucepan until runny. Brush this warm glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
Notes
A decadent and easy recipe for Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, a rich and chocolatey twist on the classic Easter treat. Perfect for a holiday brunch.
