This innovative Hot Cross Buns recipe takes a beloved Easter tradition and elevates it with the irresistible addition of mini chocolate chips, promising a delightful twist that’s even more enchanting than the classic. Each pillowy bite offers a perfect touch of sweetness, making these homemade buns an unforgettable treat for your holiday celebrations.
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns: A Modern Twist on an Easter Classic
Hot Cross Buns, with their iconic spiced aroma, wonderfully soft texture, and distinguishing cross on top, are far more than just a seasonal baked good; they embody a cherished tradition of togetherness and comfort during the Easter season. For centuries, these semi-sweet buns have graced breakfast and brunch tables, marking the arrival of spring and celebrating renewal. This particular recipe embraces that rich heritage while introducing a contemporary twist that’s guaranteed to be a hit with both young and old alike: mini chocolate chips. Imagine the classic warm spices mingling with pockets of melted chocolate, creating a truly irresistible experience. Perfect for baking this weekend, these Hot Cross Buns are designed to bring joy and a unique flavor profile to your Easter breakfast or brunch spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are traditional sweet, spiced buns typically enjoyed during the Easter season. They are distinctively flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Traditionally, they also include dried fruits like currants or raisins, though our recipe features delicious mini chocolate chips for a modern twist. The most recognizable feature is the cross piped on top, which can be made from a simple flour and water paste before baking, or with icing after baking.
While they are categorized as a sweet bun, Hot Cross Buns are generally not excessively sweet. They offer a subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with the rich spices. Our chocolate chip version adds a delightful burst of sweetness, but they are still meant to be more of a spiced bread roll than a decadent dessert, making them perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
The tradition of eating Hot Cross Buns during Easter is deeply rooted in Christian symbolism. The cross on top of each bun is widely believed to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while the spices used within the bun can symbolize the spices used to embalm his body. Enjoying these buns is a time-honored way to observe the solemnity and hope of the Easter holiday, making them a meaningful part of the festive table.
For the ultimate experience, Hot Cross Buns are best served still warm from the oven. Their soft, slightly dense, yet chewy texture is wonderfully comforting. We highly recommend pairing them with a smear of salted butter – the contrast between the sweet bun and the savory butter is simply divine. A dollop of your favorite jam or marmalade can also elevate the experience. They’re perfect alongside your morning coffee or tea.
There are indeed several traditional methods for creating the signature cross on Hot Cross Buns, and the choice often depends on regional customs or family recipes. Some recipes call for a simple paste made from flour and water, which is piped onto the buns before baking and then bakes into the bun’s surface. Others prefer to pipe a sweet icing cross onto the buns after they have cooled, which adds an extra layer of sweetness. Our recipe utilizes the baked-in paste method for a more classic finish, but if you prefer a sweeter bun, you can absolutely add an icing cross after they’re baked and glazed!
Yes, this recipe can certainly be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd or simply want more delicious buns! However, for optimal results, we suggest baking them in two separate pans to ensure even cooking and browning. Additionally, depending on the capacity of your stand mixer or mixing bowl, you might find it easier to prepare the dough in two smaller batches rather than one very large one, which helps ensure proper kneading and rising.
Leftover Hot Cross Buns are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. They are always best enjoyed warm, so before serving again, simply pop them into the microwave for a few seconds or warm them gently in the oven until heated through and softened.
Absolutely! Hot Cross Buns freeze remarkably well. To freeze them, ensure they are completely cooled after baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly wrapped, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and warm them slightly before serving.
Mini chocolate chips are highly recommended for this recipe. Their smaller size ensures they are distributed more evenly throughout the dough, meaning you get a delightful hint of chocolate in nearly every bite without overpowering the delicate spice flavors. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate mini chips work wonderfully, depending on your preference for sweetness. Dark chocolate chips could also be used for a richer, less sweet profile.
Achieving a perfect rise is key to light and fluffy Hot Cross Buns. First, ensure your yeast is active by blooming it in warm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C). If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired. Second, find a consistently warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warmed oven (turned off), a proofing drawer, or even a sunny windowsill can work wonders. Covering the bowl with plastic wrap also helps maintain moisture, preventing a crust from forming that could hinder the rise.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
Crafting these delectable Hot Cross Buns requires a selection of fresh, quality ingredients that contribute to their unique flavor and tender texture. From the active dry yeast that gives them their beautiful rise, to the rich butter and milk that ensure a soft crumb, every component plays a vital role. And of course, the star of our special twist: the mini chocolate chips that melt into sweet pockets of delight. Below is a visual overview of the ingredients you’ll need. For the precise measurements and the full, detailed recipe, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down this page.
Crafting Your Homemade Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embark on a delightful baking journey to create these irresistible Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect batch of fluffy, spiced buns dotted with sweet chocolate.
Activate the Yeast: Begin by combining the warm water (ensure it’s around 105-115°F/40-46°C – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it) and active dry yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This process, known as “blooming,” is crucial. If the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, your yeast is active and ready to go. If it doesn’t bloom, your yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.
First Dough Mix: Once your yeast is active, add half of the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to the mixer bowl. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until these ingredients are just combined. The mixture will be thick and shaggy at this stage, which is perfectly normal.
Add Wet Ingredients: Next, incorporate two of the egg yolks, the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the dough mixture. Continue mixing with the dough hook. Don’t worry if the mixture appears a bit lumpy; it will smooth out as you add more flour.
Complete the Dough: Add the remaining flour to the bowl. Mix again with the dough hook until all the flour is incorporated and the mixture starts to come together. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. During this process, the dough will become smooth, elastic, and will begin to pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. This kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for the buns’ soft and chewy texture.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the mini chocolate chips. Mix until they are just evenly distributed throughout the dough. You may need to briefly knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface to fully incorporate any stray chips and ensure they are well dispersed without overmixing.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray. Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in the prepared bowl, lightly spraying the top of the dough as well to prevent it from drying out. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm, draft-free area and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the warmth of your environment.
Shape the Buns: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. For precision, you can weigh the entire dough and then divide that by 12 to get the weight for each bun, ensuring uniform size. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and arrange them in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each for expansion.
Second Rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap and return it to a warm place for a second rise. Allow the buns to double in size again, which should take approximately 1 hour. This second rise is crucial for light, airy buns.
Prepare for Baking: While the buns are completing their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cross mixture by whisking together the ½ cup all-purpose flour and 6 tablespoons of water until a smooth, thick paste forms. Transfer this paste into a piping bag or a sturdy plastic baggie with a small corner snipped off.
Create Egg Wash: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the remaining egg yolk (from the 3 large egg yolks divided use) and 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. This wash will give your buns a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
Brush and Pipe: Once the buns have doubled in size, carefully remove the plastic wrap. Gently brush the tops of each bun with the prepared egg wash. Then, using your piping bag, pipe the iconic crosses onto the top of each bun. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the cross mixture; there will be enough.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the buns are beautifully golden brown and sound hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Prepare the Glaze: While the buns are baking, prepare the sweet glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1½ tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze will add a final touch of sweetness and shine.
Glaze and Serve: As soon as the buns come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the prepared glaze. Ensure you use all of it to coat each bun evenly. The warm buns will absorb the glaze, making them incredibly moist and flavorful. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, though they are truly divine warm.
Why Chocolate Chips Make These Hot Cross Buns Unforgettable
While traditional Hot Cross Buns typically feature currants or raisins, our chocolate chip rendition offers a delightful contemporary twist that has quickly become a family favorite. The addition of mini chocolate chips introduces a familiar, comforting sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. As the buns bake, these tiny chocolate morsels melt into luscious pockets, creating a wonderfully moist texture and an extra layer of flavor that appeals to all ages, especially the younger crowd. This simple swap transforms a classic into a modern marvel, making these buns not just a symbolic Easter treat, but a truly indulgent and universally loved baked good.
Tips for Baking Perfect Hot Cross Buns Every Time
Baking with yeast can sometimes feel intimidating, but with a few key tips, you’ll be creating bakery-worthy Hot Cross Buns with ease. Firstly, always check your yeast’s freshness. If your yeast doesn’t bloom and create a frothy layer when mixed with warm water, it’s likely expired, and your dough won’t rise. Secondly, maintain proper dough temperature during rising. A warm, draft-free environment (like a slightly warmed, then turned off, oven) is ideal for yeast activity. Over-kneading can result in tough buns, while under-kneading won’t develop enough gluten for a soft texture, so stick to the recommended kneading times. Finally, don’t rush the rising process; patience is key to light and airy buns. A slow, steady rise yields the best results.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If these Hot Cross Buns have sparked your interest in baking more delightful treats, explore our collection of other comforting and crowd-pleasing recipes. From various breads to sweet indulgences, there’s always something new to discover in the kitchen.
- 50 Easter Recipes
- Soft Dinner Rolls
- Homemade Crescent Rolls
- Orange Rolls
- Butter Swim Yeast Rolls
- Apple Cinnamon Buns
- Homemade Sticky Buns
- Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug
- Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
- Brioche Buns
Hot Cross Buns (with chocolate chips)
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Ingredients
For the dough:
- ½ cup warm water 110°F
- 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks divided use
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter melted
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
For assembly:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 8 Tablespoons water divided use
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the warm water and yeast into the body of a stand mixer, stir, and allow the yeast to bloom, for 5-10 minutes. If it has not bloomed by 10 minutes, the yeast is not alive.
- Add half of the flour, sugar, and salt, and mix to combine with the hook attachment, the mixture will be thick.
- Stir in 2 egg yolks, the butter, milk, and vanilla. The mixture may be lumpy, but that’s okay.
- Add the remaining flour and stir to combine, scrape down the sides.
- Place on medium speed and knead the dough for 5 minutes. The dough will clean the sides of the bowl.
- Add the chocolate chips and mix them in, you may need to knead it a little by hand to help incorporate them.
- Knead the dough by hand a few times in the bowl until it forms a smooth dough.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray, add the dough to the bowl, and lightly spray the top of the dough with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap.
- Place in a warm area and allow to double for 1-2 hours.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. For best results, weigh the entire dough and then divide by 12 to ensure even portions. You do not need to do this of course, just do your best to eyeball it.
- Roll the portions into a ball and place into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm area again. Allow to double in size, about 1 hour.
- While the buns are doing their second rise, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- To make the cross mixture, whisk together the flour and 6 tablespoons of water to form a paste. Place the mixture into a piping bag or a plastic baggie.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Once doubled, remove the plastic wrap.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.
- Snip off a corner of the baggie with the cross mixture and pipe on the crosses.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes until golden brown.
- While the buns are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
- Once the buns are done baking, immediately brush them with the glaze, using it all. Allow to cool and serve.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.