Description
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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Ingredients
For the Dough:
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3¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
For the Cross Paste:
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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3–4 tbsp water (enough to form a thick paste)
For the Glaze:
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2 tbsp apricot jam or honey
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1 tbsp water
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: British-Inspired