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Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

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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.

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