Decadent Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
Celebrate Easter with a modern, chocolatey twist on the traditional favorite! This recipe yields 6 perfectly soft, spiced buns packed with sweet raisins and gooey chocolate chips. Finished with a signature cross and a shimmering jam glaze, these are the ultimate festive treat for your holiday table.
Ingredients:For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 185g
- Sugar: 55g
- Instant dry yeast: 5g
- Lukewarm milk: 60ml
- Melted butter: 25g
- Egg: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp
- Warm Spices: ½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon, ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg, ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
- Mix-ins: 37g Raisins & 100g Chocolate Chips
Ingredients:For the Classic Crosses:
- All-purpose flour: 20g
- Water: 3ml (adjust slightly for a thick paste)
Ingredients:For the Signature Shine:
- Jam: 2 tbsp (any fruit flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of your sugar with the instant dry yeast. Pour in the lukewarm milk and set it aside for 6–7 minutes until it becomes frothy and active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and the remaining sugar. Mix well to combine.
- Add your prepared yeast mixture, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Combine the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead until the dough is soft and smooth. If you knead the dough by hand, knead it for 8-10 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your palms rather than adding more flour to the dough; this ensures your buns stay light and fluffy!
- Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes.
- Gently fold in the raisins and chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Cover once more and allow the dough to rise for another 45 minutes.
- Turn the dough onto a flat surface and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll them into smooth balls and place them on a baking tray. Cover and let them rise for a final 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C. Mix the 20g of flour with water to create a thick paste. Pipe a cross over the top of each risen bun. Bake for 15 minutes or until beautifully golden brown.
- While the buns are still hot from the oven, brush the tops generously with jam. This adds a professional, glossy finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
- Enjoy your homemade Easter treats while the chocolate is still melty!
