Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These choc chip hot cross buns are soft, rich, and wonderfully comforting. The warm dough has just the right hint of spice, while the chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness in every bite. They are easier to make than they might seem, and the homemade version tastes far better than store-bought buns. They are perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or anytime you want a cozy homemade treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the buns:
flour
granulated sugar
instant yeast
salt
ground cinnamon
mixed spice or nutmeg
warm milk
butter
egg
chocolate chips
For the cross:
flour
water
For the glaze:
apricot jam or sugar syrup
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Stir well so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Warm the milk slightly, then mix it with the softened butter and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer. Once the dough is soft and stretchy, knead in the chocolate chips until evenly spread throughout.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Punch the dough down gently and divide it into equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a lined or greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each bun.
Cover the tray and let the buns rise again until puffy.
To make the cross mixture, stir the flour and water together until a thick paste forms. Spoon it into a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner snipped off, then pipe a cross over each bun.
Bake the buns until golden brown and cooked through.
While still warm, brush the tops with apricot jam or sugar syrup for a shiny finish.
Let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm, especially with a little butter.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 buns.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Bake time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes
Variations
You can customize these buns in several tasty ways. Try using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. For extra texture, add orange zest to the dough for a fresh citrus note. A little vanilla can also deepen the sweetness. If you enjoy the traditional fruit-and-spice flavor, you can replace part of the chocolate chips with raisins or currants. For a richer version, use a bit of brown sugar in place of some of the white sugar.
Storage/Reheating
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
To freeze, wrap the buns well and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
To reheat, warm a bun in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes until soft and heated through. If desired, slice and toast before serving.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but it should usually be activated in warm milk first before mixing it into the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping if needed.
Why are my buns dense instead of fluffy?
Dense buns usually happen when the dough has not been kneaded enough or did not rise long enough. Make sure the yeast is fresh and the dough has time to become puffy.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour works well and can give the buns a slightly chewier texture.
Do I have to pipe the crosses?
The cross is traditional, but you can skip it if you want a simpler chocolate bun. The flavor will still be delicious.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a great choice because they balance the sweetness of the dough, but milk or dark chocolate also work well.
Can I add dried fruit too?
Yes, you can mix in some raisins, currants, or chopped dried fruit along with the chocolate chips for a more classic hot cross bun flavor.
How do I know when the buns are done baking?
They should be golden on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. The centers should no longer look doughy.
Can I make these without the glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional, but it adds a lovely shine and a touch of sweetness.
Are choc chip hot cross buns best served warm or cold?
They are best served slightly warm, when the buns are soft and the chocolate is just a little melty.
Conclusion
Choc chip hot cross buns are a fun and comforting twist on a traditional bake. With their soft texture, warm spice, and sweet chocolatey bites, they are a wonderful treat to make at home. Whether you bake them for Easter or simply because you are craving something cozy and homemade, these buns are sure to be a favorite.
PrintChoc Chip Hot Cross Buns
Soft, fluffy chocolate chip hot cross buns with warm spices and bursts of sweetness, finished with a classic cross and glossy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice or nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup flour (for cross)
- 5 tbsp water (for cross)
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or sugar syrup (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Mix well.
- In another bowl, mix warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then knead in chocolate chips evenly.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again until puffy.
- Mix flour and water to form a thick paste, then pipe a cross over each bun.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush warm buns with apricot jam or sugar syrup for a glossy finish.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Use milk, dark, or white chocolate chips as preferred.
- Add orange zest or vanilla for extra flavor.
- Replace some chocolate chips with raisins or currants for variation.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
