Each year when Easter rolls around I see Hot Cross Buns everywhere. I get it. It’s a thing. But I had never had one.
Traditionally Hot Cross Buns are made with currants or raisins. That doesn’t sound all that appealing to me and I think that’s why it’s taken me so long to try. I’ll be honest, I don’t even know what a currant is. Maybe it’s a UK thing? #noidea
But we finally decided to try Hot Cross Buns for ourselves…except with chocolate!!
Not only were these really festive, they tasted pretty fantastic too. A warm, sweetened bun with chocolate chunks on the inside and white chocolate crosses on top, of course they were going to taste good!
The frothy mixture too
Knead, then let rise for 1 1/2 hours
We formed into balls but then actually ended up making them smaller and transferring them to a baking dish instead
They baked beautifully…then the white chocolate crosses!
Easter treats!
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
For the Buns
- 3 packages instant dry yeast (¾ ounce each)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
- 4 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 2 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
For the Glaze
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp hot water
For the Crosses
- 2 oz white chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine milk, yeast and sugar. Set aside for 15 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and increases in size.
- Place flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Make a well in the center and pour in butter, egg, yeast mixture, and half the chocolate chunks.
- Turn the mixer on low and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside (in a warm place) for 1½ hours, until the dough doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Once the dough has risen, knock it down and add the remaining chocolate chips, kneading to incorporate.
- Form into small, evenly sized balls and place them close together in the prepared baking dish. I did 6 rows of 4 for a total of 24 buns.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cover baking dish with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for 20 more minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and hot water. As soon as the buns come out of the oven, lightly brush each one with glaze.
- For the chocolate, melt the white chocolate in the microwave for 30 second intervals. Stir in between. Pour the chocolate in a small ziploc bag and cut off the corner. Pipe chocolate crosses across then buns and let the chocolate set.
- Serve the buns warm. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!