Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns: The Ultimate Easter Baking Guide

Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns: Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional Easter treats! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy bun, studded with melting chocolate chips, and infused with the comforting aroma of spices. This isn’t your grandma’s hot cross bun (unless your grandma is a culinary genius, of course!). We’re taking a classic and giving it a delicious, modern twist that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Hot cross buns have a rich history, dating back to pre-Christian times, where similar buns were baked to honor the goddess Eostre. The cross itself is said to symbolize the crucifixion of Jesus, making them a staple during the Easter season. But let’s be honest, sometimes tradition needs a little chocolate, right?

What makes these Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The soft, slightly sweet dough, the bursts of rich chocolate, and the subtle warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg create a symphony in your mouth. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you can whip up a batch of these delightful buns in no time. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. Get ready to experience a new level of Easter indulgence!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 7g sachet of fast-action dried yeast
• 50g caster sugar
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange
• 275ml lukewarm milk
• 75g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 150g chocolate chips (milk, dark, or a mix!)
• 50g mixed peel (optional, but adds a lovely traditional touch)
• For the Crosses:
• 75g plain flour
• 5-7 tbsp cold water, added gradually
• For the Glaze:
• 2 tbsp apricot jam
• 1 tbsp water

Preparing the Dough

1. First, let’s get our dry ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Now, for the wet ingredients. In a separate jug, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and lightly beaten egg. It’s important that the milk isn’t too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Lukewarm is the key!
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough at this stage, we’ll knead it into shape soon.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the buns their lovely texture. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that instead – knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes.
5. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, gently knead in the chocolate chips and mixed peel (if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to do this gently to avoid breaking the chocolate chips too much.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with cling film or a clean tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step, so be patient! The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off!) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works well.

Shaping and Proving the Buns

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. This helps to redistribute the yeast and prevents the buns from becoming too airy.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. I find it easiest to weigh the dough and then divide the weight by 12 to get the perfect size for each bun.
3. Shape each piece of dough into a smooth, round bun. To do this, gently pull the edges of the dough underneath to create a smooth surface on top.
4. Place the buns on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, leaving a little space between each bun. This will allow them to expand as they prove.
5. Cover the buns loosely with cling film or a clean tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for another 45-60 minutes, or until they have almost doubled in size. Again, patience is key!

Making and Applying the Crosses

1. While the buns are proving for the second time, let’s make the crosses. In a small bowl, mix together the plain flour and cold water, adding the water gradually until you have a smooth, thick paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste.
2. Spoon the paste into a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-lock bag with a small corner snipped off.
3. Once the buns have finished proving, pipe crosses over the top of each bun. Try to keep the lines straight and even. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect, they’ll still taste delicious!

Baking the Buns

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
2. Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the base. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.

Glazing the Buns

1. While the buns are baking, let’s prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water over low heat until the jam has melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them generously with the glaze while they are still hot. This will give them a lovely shine and add a touch of sweetness.
3. Leave the buns to cool slightly on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing

These chocolate chip hot cross buns are best served warm, with a generous spread of butter. They’re also delicious toasted! Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.

Tips for Success

• Use good quality chocolate chips: The better the chocolate, the better the buns will taste!
• Don’t over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough buns.
• Prove the dough in a warm place: This will help it to rise properly.
• Don’t over-bake the buns: Over-baking can make them dry.
• Brush with glaze while hot: This will give them a lovely shine.

Variations

• Add dried fruit: Raisins, sultanas, or currants can be added to the dough for a more traditional flavor.
• Use different spices: Nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can be used instead of or in addition to the mixed spice and cinnamon.
• Make a chocolate glaze: Melt some chocolate with a little milk or cream and brush it over the buns instead of the apricot glaze.
• Add nuts: Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can be added to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious chocolate chip hot cross buns. They’re perfect for Easter, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another hot cross bun recipe; it’s a chocolate chip infused experience that will redefine your Easter baking! The combination of the traditional spiced dough with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate chips creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply divine. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns, you’ll never want to go back to the plain version. They are soft, fluffy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness in every single bite.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the perfect balance. We’ve carefully crafted the recipe to ensure the spices complement the chocolate chips, rather than overpowering them. The result is a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack. Plus, the addition of chocolate chips makes them incredibly kid-friendly, so you can get the whole family involved in the baking process.

And the best part? These buns are surprisingly easy to make! Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these beauties in no time. We’ve included detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you through every step of the process.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While these Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to elevate them even further. Try serving them warm with a generous pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream. For a truly decadent treat, you can even toast them and spread them with Nutella or your favorite chocolate spread.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate chips will create a classic, sweet flavor, while dark chocolate chips will add a touch of sophistication. You could even use a combination of both for a truly unique taste.

Another fun variation is to add a handful of chopped nuts to the dough. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions. You could also try adding dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, for a burst of fruity flavor.

For those who prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or use a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice, to create your own signature flavor.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re the perfect way to celebrate Easter or any other special occasion. They also make a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Imagine the joy on their faces when they receive a batch of these homemade treats!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get baking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences. Tag me on social media and let me know what you think. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your delicious Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns!