A combination of our two favourite Easter treats, hot cross buns with chocolate are extra delicious. Purists, worry not—we’ve also included the option to add dried fruit!
- Prep time 50 minutes
- Total time 3 hours & 30 minutes
- Portion size 12 servings
- Credits : Canadian Living Magazine
Ingredients
BUNS:
GLAZE:
Method
Buns In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg and cloves. Using wooden spoon, dig well in centre of flour mixture and pour in milk and butter. Add beaten egg; mix with spoon until dough is smooth and soft.
Using stand mixer fitted with dough hook, knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes (if dough is too sticky, add flour, 1 tbsp at a time, until it loosens from sides of bowl). Or, on lightly floured surface, knead dough, 8 to 10 minutes. Shape dough into ball. Transfer to greased bowl, turning to grease all over; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down dough; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Coarsely roll out dough. Sprinkle with chocolate chips; knead to combine. Divide dough into 12 portions. Shape each into ball, folding ends underneath and pinching at bottom. Arrange, 1 inch apart, on prepared baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in size, 30 to 45 minutes.
Glaze Preheat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, using fork, stir flour with 3 tbsp water, 1 tbsp at a time, until thick paste forms. Spoon into small resealable plastic bag with 1 corner cut off; pipe cross shape on top of each bun. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack.
Place jam in small microwavable bowl and heat for 20 seconds. Brush buns with jam; let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Can be stored in airtight container at room temperature overnight or frozen for up to 1 month.)
Change it up
Fruit & Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Replace half the chocolate chips with 1/4 cup chopped raisins, chopped dried cherries or candied orange zest, cut into small cubes.
Nutritional facts PER SERVING
- Calories 280
- Total fat 8 g
- Saturated fat 5 g
- Cholesterol 25 mg
- Sodium 115 mg
- Total carbohydrate 46 g
- Fibre 3 g
- Sugars 16 g
- Protein 6 g
- Iron 2.3 mg
