Chocolate Hot Cross Bun

Give a delicious twist to a traditional Easter favorite with this Chocolate Hot Cross Bun recipe. These soft, spiced buns are studded with rich chocolate chips and topped with a signature cross and glossy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they’re a chocolate lover’s dream with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic with a Twist – A rich chocolate variation of the iconic Easter bun.
Soft & Fluffy – Made with a buttery dough that rises to perfection.
Perfectly Spiced – A warm mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for cozy flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Kid-Approved – Chocolate makes everything better, even hot cross buns!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

For the Cross Paste:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3–4 tbsp water (enough to form a thick paste)

For the Glaze:

• 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey
• 1 tbsp water

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Baking sheet or 9×13-inch pan
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• Pastry brush
• Whisk and spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy and bubbly—this confirms the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a dough hook.
Add chocolate chips during the last minute of kneading, mixing until evenly distributed.
The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 3: First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Prepare the Cross Paste
Mix flour and water to form a thick paste.
Transfer to a piping bag or small zip-top bag with the tip snipped off.
Pipe a cross over each bun.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake buns for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Glaze the Buns
While the buns are still warm, heat apricot jam or honey with water until thin.
Brush over the tops to give them a beautiful shine and touch of sweetness.

Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the buns cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Tips for Success
Warm Milk, Not Hot – Too hot will kill the yeast; aim for body temperature.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise – This ensures soft, airy buns.
Use Bread Flour – For even more chew and structure (optional).
Switch Up the Chips – Try white chocolate, milk chocolate, or chopped chocolate chunks.
Glaze Immediately – Brush on while warm for a beautiful shine and sticky sweetness.

Serving Suggestions
With Hot Tea or Coffee – A perfect morning or afternoon treat.
Toasted with Butter – Melty, rich, and comforting.
As a Sweet Brunch Addition – Serve with fruit salad and yogurt.
Drizzled with Chocolate – For an extra indulgent finish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing:
Freeze baked buns (unglazed) wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight and warm before glazing and serving.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: 10–15 seconds for a soft, warm bun.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! After the first rise, shape the buns and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and rise before baking.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
   Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
3. Can I add dried fruit?
   Absolutely! Replace some of the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
4. How do I make it egg-free?
   Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) or skip the egg and add a bit more milk as needed.
5. What if I don’t have apricot jam for the glaze?
   Honey or maple syrup work just as well for a shiny finish.

Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Hot Cross Buns bring a modern and decadent twist to a time-honored favorite. With rich chocolate, warm spice, and a golden, glossy top, they’re the perfect blend of tradition and indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, baking for loved ones, or simply want a comforting homemade treat, these buns are a must-try.

Bake a batch, share them fresh from the oven, and don’t forget to snap a pic and share your creation online!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Cuisine: British-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 160mg

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