Do you want to find out how to make the best hot cross buns? Well look no further – We’ve created a delicious recipe with a fun twist from the classic hot cross buns!
Using chopped dark chocolate and cacao powder in the dough, these buns hold a fantastic, rich flavour whilst also being super soft and dense in texture. We also infused mixed spiced and peel to give a comforting warmth to the bun. Once gently baked in the oven, the chocolate pieces and citrus fruits ooze with flavour, making it the perfect addition to your Easter Sunday Brunch when slathering a generous helping of butter on to the sweet treat!
If you want to become more creative in the way you make your hot cross buns, check out our delicious Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Hot Cross Buns to really impress your guests this Easter.
Why add Maldon Salt to your Hot Cross Buns?
Adding a pinch of Maldon Salt as a topper to your hot cross buns will allow the sweetness of the dark chocolate and raisins to enhance, whilst counteracting the bitterness of the citrus peel that is mixed within the dough.
A sprinkling of Maldon Salt will also give a gentle crunch of texture once you bite into these fluffy buns, creating a wonderful treat to be enjoyed amongst family and friends this Easter.
How to Make Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
- In a small saucepan, heat together the butter and milk gently until the butter is melted and the mixture is lukewarm. Set aside to cool down.
- In a large bowl mix together the flour, cocoa powder, mixed spice, Maldon Salt and yeast.
- Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and slowly pour half the butter and milk mixture. Mix this together and then add the beaten egg. Now, begin mixing with your hands to form a soft dough.
- Either tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand or you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth, soft and elastic.
- In a separate bowl, lightly oil the inside and place the dough into it. Cover with clingfilm and allow it to prove for 1 hour in a warm place, or until it has doubled in size.
- After 1 hour of proving, remove the clingfilm and knock the air out of the dough.
- Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and add the chopped chocolate, raisins and citrus peel by stretching and folding the dough to incorporate, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout.
- Now divide the dough into 12 equal size balls. Shape them by rolling between your palm and the surface so they are smooth and even. Place the balls onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and space them with roughly 2 – 3cm gap between them.
- Loosely cover the tray with clingfilm and leave again in a warm place for 45 – 60 minutes until they have doubled in size again. They should be puffed up and just touching.
- Preheat the oven to 200C.
- Make the flour mixture by mixing together the plain flour, olive oil and water. Beat together until it forms a smooth paste and then transfer into a piping bag.
- Once the buns have proved and risen, carefully remove the clingfilm.
- Pipe the crosses across the top of the buns. Then place into the middle of the oven and bake for 15 – 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush the tops with golden syrup so they are glistening and then sprinkle with Maldon Salt.
- These buns are best served slightly warm so the chocolate chunks are oozy and melted.
