Name: Double Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 240g (1 cup) warm milk (95-104°F / 35-40°C); 2 tsp instant or active dried yeast; 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar; 440g (3 1/2 cup) all-purpose flour; 30g (1/3 cup) cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1 large egg; 70g (5 tablespoons) butter, softened to room temperature; 130g (3/4 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 45g (5 tablespoons) all-purpose flour; 10g (1 1/2 tablespoons) cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 45g (3 tablespoons) water (approximately, enough to make a pipeable paste); 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar; 45g (3 tablespoons) just boiled water

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic hot cross buns but are craving something with an irresistible chocolate twist, this Double Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe is here to steal your heart. Imagine fluffy, tender buns infused with rich cocoa and studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, all marked with that iconic cross on top. This recipe takes the beloved traditional treat into a decadent new territory, balancing sweetness and chocolate flavor in every bite. Whether it’s for Easter, a cozy brunch, or just because, these buns make an unforgettable homemade indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows simple drawings of baking ingredients arranged in a grid on a white marbled background. At the top, there is a bag of yeast in light brown and beige, next to a blue and white milk carton, a clear bowl filled with white sugar, and two white eggs. Below them, a sack of white flour with a metal scoop, a pile of brown cocoa powder, and a clear salt shaker with a gray top. The next row shows two vanilla beans and a vanilla flower, a brown bowl filled with cinnamon powder next to a cinnamon stick, and a yellow block of butter on a white dish with a knife. At the bottom, there is a dark brown chocolate bar divided into squares. Each item is simple and cartoon-like with neat black text above or below stating the ingredient name. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Double Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the warm milk that wakes up the yeast to the cocoa powder that delivers that luxurious chocolate flavor. You’ll find that these simple staples come together to create buns with incredible texture, richness, and aroma.

240g warm milk (95-104°F / 35-40°C): Just warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a perfect rise.
2 tsp instant or active dried yeast: The magic behind that fluffy, airy dough.
100g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the yeast flourish.
440g all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the buns.
30g cocoa powder: Pumps up the chocolate intensity while coloring the dough beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla paste or extract: Adds depth and a warm aroma that enhances the chocolate.
¾ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enriches flavor.
½ tsp cinnamon: A subtle warming spice that complements the chocolate notes.
1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
70g butter, softened: For a tender, rich texture that melts in your mouth.
130g semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that gives pockets of gooey chocolate.
45g all-purpose flour, 10g cocoa powder, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 45g water: Combined to create the chocolate paste crosses on top.
50g granulated sugar, 45g just boiled water: Used for the glossy glaze to finish the buns perfectly.

How to Make Double Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the yeast, warm milk, and a tablespoon of sugar in your stand mixer. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This signals that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic to make the buns rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the rest of the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and egg to the bowl. Turn your mixer on medium and combine everything until you have a thick, slightly sticky dough. Then, slowly incorporate the softened butter, mixing continuously until fully absorbed.

Step 3: Develop the Gluten

Keep mixing the dough for around 15 minutes until it strengthens and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. This gluten development is essential to get that tender, chewy texture characteristic of the best hot cross buns. The dough should be stretchable enough that you can almost see through it.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and spread the chocolate chips evenly over it. Gently knead the dough to incorporate the chips without smashing them, creating a swirl of melted chocolate throughout your buns.

Step 5: First Proof

Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a clean bowl. Cover with a lid or a damp towel, and leave it in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. For a slow rise, you can refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen wonderfully.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 9 equal portions. Shape each piece into a tight ball and place them evenly spaced in a parchment-lined 10 x 10-inch square baking dish.

Step 7: Second Proof

Cover the shaped buns with a damp tea towel, then let them rise again until doubled in size. This second proof is key for light, fluffy buns that practically melt when you bite into them.

Step 8: Pipe the Chocolate Crosses

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C. Prepare the chocolate paste for the crosses by mixing flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and water into a smooth, pipeable consistency. Using a piping bag, draw the classic crosses on top of each bun with this luscious chocolate paste.

Step 9: Bake and Glaze

Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes until puffed, set, and fragrant. While baking, whisk together the ingredients for the sugar glaze made with granulated sugar and boiling water. Brush this warm glaze over the hot buns to give them that irresistible shiny finish.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe

The image shows six round chocolate dough balls with a smooth, slightly shiny surface and a dark brown color. They are placed closely together inside a white rectangular container lined with white parchment paper. The dough balls have a soft, slightly textured look with a few small indentations. The container sits on a white marbled surface that provides a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate your buns visually and taste-wise. For a truly indulgent treat, a pat of softened butter on a warm bun is absolute perfection.

Side Dishes

These buns pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate to double down on the chocolate experience. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the buns in half and turning them into delightful chocolate sandwiches with marshmallow fluff or your favorite nut butter. They also make a fantastic base for a decadent bread pudding or can be toasted lightly and served with honey or jam for a sweet twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains their softness while preventing them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these chocolatey delights later, freeze the buns individually wrapped in cling film and sealed in a freezer bag for up to three months. This way, you can have a quick indulgence whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Rewarm frozen or refrigerated buns gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly. Adding a tiny splash of water before heating can keep them moist and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast for this recipe?

Yes, active dried yeast works perfectly here — just remember to activate it in warm milk first, which is already part of the recipe. The rising times might be similar, so you won’t need to adjust much.

Is it possible to make these buns dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based option like almond or oat milk warmed to the right temperature, and use dairy-free butter to keep the buns moist and tender.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough along with chocolate chips?

You can definitely mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Just keep the quantity moderate so the dough maintains its proper rise and texture.

How long do the buns keep fresh without refrigeration?

They stay soft and fresh at room temperature for about three days when stored in an airtight container. After that, they might start to dry out, so freezing is a good option for longer storage.

What’s the best way to ensure a shiny glaze on the buns?

Brushing the buns immediately after they come out of the oven while they’re still hot helps the glaze soak in and create that glossy sheen. Using boiling water to dissolve the sugar for the glaze makes it extra smooth and shiny.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Double Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe enough if you’re looking to upgrade a classic with a rich and indulgent chocolate kick. From the tender crumb to the gooey melted chips and glossy finish, these buns bring so much joy to any table. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear — your friends and family will be asking for the recipe!