Name: Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns with Orange and Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 packets rapid rise yeast or dry (instant); 1 1/2 cups warm milk; 3/4 cup superfine sugar or caster sugar (divided); 4 1/2 cups bread flour or plain/all purpose flour (plus up to 1/4 cup extra if needed); 1 teaspoon all spice or mixed spice; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; Zest of an orange (or 2 tablespoons mixed peel); 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1/4 cup butter (melted and cooled slightly); 1 egg yolk; 10 ml milk; 1 tbsp orange marmalade (or apricot jam, honey, maple syrup, agave, or golden syrup); 2 tsp boiling water; 1/2 cup dark chocolate (melted)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you love a fragrant, soft bread roll bursting with gooey sweetness, then this Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns with Orange and Glaze Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. These buns combine the classic spicy warmth of hot cross buns with the irresistible allure of melting chocolate chips and a zesty hit of orange, all finished off with a shiny, sticky glaze and gorgeous chocolate crosses. Whether for an Easter celebration or just a cozy weekend indulgence, these buns bring joy to every bite with their perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various ingredients for a baking recipe arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with a heap of light beige bread flour or plain flour with a small pat of butter on top. Surrounding it are several smaller white bowls: one contains an orange egg yolk and melted chocolate in a smooth brown sauce on a round wooden board, another holds chocolate chips in a dark brown wooden bowl, and others contain dry ingredients such as spices, sugar, and yeast. There is a small glass jug with a creamy liquid labeled salt and milk, and another small bowl with orange zest, ground cinnamon, and spices grouped on a white plate. A small ramekin of orange marmalade or apricot jam with some boiling water is also visible. The setup is neat and well-lit, showing a cozy baking scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward making these buns truly unforgettable. Each component plays its part, from the spices that warm your senses to the chocolate chips that melt into pockets of sweetness, all rounded out by a subtle citrus zing from the orange zest.

Rapid rise yeast: This helps the dough rise quickly and gives the buns their light, fluffy texture.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture ensuring tender buns.
Superfine sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the delicate spices.
Bread flour: Provides the right structure and chewiness necessary in hot cross buns.
Allspice and ground cinnamon: Create the classic warm, spicy aroma and flavor synonymous with hot cross buns.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add melty bursts of chocolate that complement the spices and orange.
Orange zest: Infuses the dough with fresh, citrus brightness for a refreshing twist.
Egg and egg yolks: Bind and enrich the dough while also contributing to a golden crust.
Butter: Melts into the dough for softness and richness.
Dark chocolate: Melted and piped to form the iconic crosses on top.
Orange marmalade and boiling water: Combine to create a shiny, sweet glaze that seals in moisture and adds extra zing.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns with Orange and Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm milk with a little sugar and your yeast. Let this sit until the surface gets frothy — this tells you your yeast is alive and ready to make those buns rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the flour, remaining sugar, allspice, cinnamon, salt, orange zest, and those lovely chocolate chips to distribute everything evenly before adding your wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Make a well in the center of your dry mix and pour in the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. It might look a bit sticky at first, but that’s exactly right for a soft dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Kneading is where the magic happens—whether by stand mixer or by hand, work the dough until it’s soft, smooth, and elastic. You want it stretchy without tearing, which signals the gluten has developed just right.

Step 5: First Rise

Pop the dough into a covered bowl and set it somewhere warm. Let it rise until it doubles in size, usually about an hour, filling your kitchen with that comforting yeasty aroma.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

After gently punching down the dough, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a round bun and place them spaced on a lined baking tray, letting them rise again until they are puffy and nearly touching—this rise gives you soft sides where the buns meet.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

Mix egg yolk with milk and brush this glossy wash over the buns to encourage golden-brown tops. Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 22–25 minutes until beautifully golden.

Step 8: Add Glaze and Chocolate Crosses

While the buns are still warm, brush them with a bright orange marmalade glaze mixed with boiling water to get a shiny, sticky finish. Then, using melted dark chocolate in a piping bag, carefully pipe the signature crosses over each bun for an eye-catching, delicious detail.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns with Orange and Glaze Recipe

A white baking dish lined with brown parchment paper holds twelve golden dough balls arranged close to each other in a 3 by 4 pattern. The dough balls have a smooth and shiny surface with small air bubbles and some darker spots visible inside the dough. A woman's hand is holding a gray pastry brush lightly touching one of the dough balls to apply a glaze. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the glaze or a few extra grated orange zest shavings can elevate these buns to next-level perfection, adding a beautiful contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These buns shine on their own but serve wonderfully alongside fresh whipped cream, a dollop of clotted cream, or a cup of strong coffee or spicy chai tea for a complete, comforting snack or breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the buns warm in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin. Alternatively, slice and toast them lightly, then spread with extra marmalade or butter while they are still warm for a personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps them stay soft and fresh so you can enjoy that chocolate and orange goodness even later.

Freezing

Wrap the buns individually in cling film or place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy – they will taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

Warm the buns in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive their softness and bring the chocolate back to melting perfection. A quick brush of extra marmalade after reheating also freshens up the glaze’s shine.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of rapid rise for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just allow extra time for the dough to rise since regular yeast works slower. Aim for the dough to double in size before proceeding.

What if I don’t have an orange? Can I use something else?

If fresh oranges aren’t available, mixed peel works nicely for a similar citrus note. You could also try lemon zest for a different but delightful flavor twist.

Can I substitute milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s warm when activating the yeast, and the buns will still turn out beautifully soft.

How do I make the crosses if I don’t want to use chocolate?

Traditional crosses are often made from a flour paste or icing. If you prefer no chocolate, mix flour with water into a thick paste and pipe it onto the buns before baking for a classic look.

Are these buns best eaten fresh or can they be stored?

They are at their absolute best fresh and warm, with melty chocolate and fresh glaze. However, they keep well stored and still taste delicious even a day or two later, especially when reheated.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns with Orange and Glaze Recipe is truly a joyful twist on a beloved classic, perfect for surprising your family or treating yourself. The combination of spices, chocolate, and zesty orange wrapped up in a soft, fluffy bun is simply irresistible. I promise once you try these, you’ll want to bake them again and again—so go ahead and give yourself this delicious excuse to bake and share some happiness.