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Hot Cross Buns with Chocolate Chips

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A delicious twist on the classic Easter treat, these hot cross buns are soft, spiced, and generously studded with melty chocolate chips. Glazed to golden perfection and finished with a chocolate cross, they’re a sweet, modern update on a beloved tradition—perfect served warm with butter.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/4 cups warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for cross)
  • 1/3 cup water (adjust for thick paste, for cross)
  • Or melted chocolate (for modern cross)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup water (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in melted butter, egg, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
  4. Add chocolate chips and knead until evenly incorporated.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down and divide into 12 even pieces. Shape into buns and place on a parchment-lined baking tray, slightly spaced. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Pipe a flour paste (or melted chocolate) in a cross shape on each bun.
  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  10. While still warm, brush buns with a glaze made by simmering sugar and water until slightly thickened.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution.
  • For a richer dough, substitute part of the milk with cream.
  • Buns are best served warm but can be reheated in a microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/hot-cross-buns-with-chocolate-chips/