Chocolate hot cross buns
With Easter just around the corner, make the most of this festive time with these delicious chocolate hot cross buns.
Serves: 14-16
Ingredients:
- 3 sachets instant dry yeast (21g)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 and ½ cups lukewarm milk
- 4 and ½ cups bread flour or plain flour, sifted
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp mixed spices
- 50 g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips, slightly melted
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
For the glaze (optional)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp hot water
For the crosses
- 60 g plain flour
- 60 ml water
Method:
1. To make the buns, combine lukewarm milk, sugar and dry yeast in a small bowl. Set aside for 15 minutes. It should become frothy and increase in size.
2. Using a stand mixer, put the flour and salt in the bowl of your mixer (or by hand). Make a well in the centre of the flour, and pour in the melted butter, lightly beaten egg and yeast mixture, as well as the 1 cup of dark chocolate chips.
3. Turn the mixer on low and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand too. Place it in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours until the dough doubles in size.
4. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it and add the remaining milk chocolate chips, kneading lightly to incorporate them. Divide the dough evenly into 14-16 balls, and place them closely together on the baking tray.
6. Preheat oven to 200°C. Cover the hot cross buns with plastic wrap or a tea towel, and set aside to rise for another 20 minutes.
7. Make the crosses by combining the flour and water together, until it forms a smooth paste. Using a piping bag, pipe the crosses on the buns.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. While the buns are baking, prepare your glaze (if you are using)
9. For the glaze, dissolve the sugar in the hot water.
10. Once the buns are cooked, remove them from the oven and quickly brush them with a few coats of the glaze.
Related links:
Chocolate marshmallow cupcakes