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Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns with Orange and Glaze Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 15 buns

Description

Deliciously soft and spiced Hot Cross Buns filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with rich melted dark chocolate crosses, perfect for Easter or any cozy brunch gathering.

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 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)

For Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 10 ml milk

For Glaze:

  • 1 tbsp orange marmalade (or apricot jam, honey, maple syrup, agave, or golden syrup)
  • 2 tsp boiling water

For Decoration:

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate (melted)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with a little sugar and the yeast. Let it sit until it turns frothy on top, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, all spice, cinnamon, salt, orange zest, and chocolate chips. Mix evenly to distribute the ingredients.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
  4. Knead the Dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand on a lightly floured surface, knead until the dough looks slightly sticky but soft and smooth. It should feel elastic and not too sticky.
  5. Stretch Test: Stretch a small piece of dough; it should stretch without tearing easily, indicating good gluten development.
  6. First Rise: Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  7. Deflate and Shape: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place on a lined baking tray.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the dough balls and let them rise again until puffy and slightly touching, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  9. Prepare Egg Wash: Mix the egg yolk with milk, then brush the tops of each bun with this mixture for a glossy finish.
  10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the buns for 22–25 minutes until golden brown on top.
  11. Glaze the Buns: Mix marmalade with boiling water to create a glaze, then brush this over the hot buns right after baking for a shiny, sweet coating.
  12. Pipe Chocolate Crosses: Fill a piping bag with melted dark chocolate. Pipe crosses over each bun, covering them fully with the signature decoration.
  13. Serve: Serve the buns warm while the chocolate is still soft and melty for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Warm your milk to about 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation but avoid overheating.
  • If dough is too sticky during kneading, gradually add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep buns soft.
  • Ensure your egg is at room temperature to help with dough consistency.
  • Use a kitchen scale for more precise ingredient measurements when possible.
  • The glaze adds both flavor and shine; adjust the sweetness or type of jam according to preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use suitable chocolate chips.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/chocolate-chip-hot-cross-buns-with-orange-and-glaze-recipe/