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Chocolate Hot Cross Buns A chocolate hot cross bun sliced open on a white plate with a slab of butter melting inside, next to a cup of tea and a butter knife.

Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Indulge in these soft, Chocolate Hot Cross Buns with melty chocolate chunks, perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert.
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Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, British
Keyword: chocolate buns, chocolate hot cross buns, easter dessert, festive breakfast
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 306kcal
Cost: $8

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk warm to 110ºF for yeast activation
  • 3 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 3 ¼ cups bread flour or all-purpose, sifted
  • cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder unsweetened
  • cup granulated sugar for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon salt fine
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast fast-acting
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks roughly chopped
  • ½ cup milk chocolate chunks roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for crosses
  • 2 tablespoons water for crosses
  • 2 tablespoons honey for glazing

Instructions

  • Heat the milk in a medium saucepan until steaming but not boiling, then stir in the butter until melted.
    A saucepan with milk and a pat of butter, showing ingredients being heated together.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and yeast until evenly combined.
    A metal mixing bowl containing dry ingredients for chocolate dough, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and yeast.
  • Pour the warm milk mixture and beaten egg into the dry ingredients, stirring until a rough shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead the dough in a stand mixer on low speed for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead by hand for about 10 minutes.
  • Fold in both types of chocolate chunks and mix on low speed for 2 minutes until mostly incorporated. If needed, press in remaining chunks by hand.
    A mixing bowl filled with chocolate dough and chocolate chunks, ready to be kneaded or folded in.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, covering with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–1 ½ hours.
  • Line a 13" x 9" pan with parchment paper. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide into 12 equal portions (around 70g each).
  • Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place in the prepared pan, leaving space between. Cover and let rise for 45–60 minutes until puffed and touching.
    A tray of freshly baked chocolate hot cross buns with chocolate crosses piped on top, ready to serve, with a piping bag and scattered chocolate chips nearby.
  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
  • In a small bowl, combine the flour and water to form a thick paste (toothpaste consistency). Transfer to a piping bag and pipe crosses onto each bun.
  • Bake the buns in the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes until dark brown and springy to the touch.
  • Warm the honey for 10–15 seconds in the microwave, then brush over the tops of the warm buns for a shiny finish.

Notes

Serve these warm and enjoy the comforting aroma of chocolate and spice. Perfect for holiday mornings or a sweet treat anytime!

Nutrition

Serving: 3Serving | Calories: 306kcal (15%) | Carbohydrates: 45g (15%) | Protein: 8g (16%) | Fat: 11g (17%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 26mg (9%) | Sodium: 239mg (10%) | Potassium: 220mg (6%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 15g (17%) | Vitamin A: 171IU (3%) | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 53mg (5%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
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