Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
50% authentic · Modern British
A decadent twist on the classic, these hot cross buns incorporate cocoa powder into the dough and often feature chocolate chips, offering a richer, more indulgent flavor profile.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour450g
- Unsweetened cocoa powder30g
- Active dry yeast7g
- Granulated sugar50g
- Warm milk250ml
- Unsalted butter, softened60g
- Egg1 large
- Dark chocolate chips100g
- Ground cinnamon1 tsp
- Salt1/2 tsp
- For the cross: Powdered sugar100g
- For the cross: Cocoa powder1 tbsp
- For the cross: Milk or waterapprox. 2-3 tbsp
- For the glaze: Melted dark chocolate50g
Steps
- 1
Activate yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- 3
Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- 4
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5
Gently knead in the chocolate chips.
- 6
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 7
Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal portions, and shape into balls.
- 8
Place buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- 9
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- 10
Mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk/water to create a thick chocolate icing for the crosses. Put into a piping bag.
- 11
Pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.
- 12
Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Be careful not to overbake.
- 13
Brush with melted dark chocolate while warm for an extra chocolatey glaze.
