Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns Best Easter Baking Recipe

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 12, 2025Updated: September 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns Ahoy!

Fancy a baked recipe that's both traditional and totally indulgent? Ever thought about jazzing up your Easter baking ideas ? Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns ! Honestly, these spiced beauties are about to become your new obsession.

They're like a warm hug on a chilly spring morning.

A Bun With a History (and Chocolate!)

Hot cross buns date back to medieval England. These spiced Easter bread treats were traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday. We're giving them a modern makeover with, you guessed it, chocolate! This recipe is medium difficulty.

Expect a total time of around 2 hours 25 minutes. This will yield about 12 glorious buns. Serving suggestion: alongside a cup of tea.

Why You'll Go Nuts for These Buns

These Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns are more than just delicious. They're a mood booster! These buns are perfect for Easter, date night food , or a cozy weekend brunch.

Plus, they're relatively nutritious, offering some fiber and a good dose of happy vibes. This chocolate chip bun variations are special because they perfectly blend tradition with modern taste.

Ready to get baking? Let's dive into the ingredients. You'll need flour, sugar, spices, yeast, milk, butter, an egg, vanilla, and, of course, those all-important chocolate chips! For a vegan hot cross buns recipe, see substitutions.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

Right, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, getting these right makes all the difference. We're making Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns , and they need to be delicious .

Main Ingredients: It's all about the details.

Okay, for the dough itself, you'll need 3 1/2 cups (440g) of all-purpose flour. I always keep extra flour handy for dusting.

You'll also need 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar for sweetness. A teaspoon of salt balances things out. Then comes the spices!

For those warm, cozy vibes, you'll need 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

These create that essential spiced Easter bread flavour. The yeast is important so get 1 packet (7g or 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast.

Don't forget 1 cup (240ml) of lukewarm milk (110° F/ 43° C ) not too hot, or you'll kill the yeast!.

You'll want 1/4 cup (57g) of melted unsalted butter for richness. Add 1 large egg , plus 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavour.

I've sometimes forgotten these, don't be like me! The star of the show is 1 cup (170g) of semi sweet chocolate chips.

Make sure the chocolate chips have great quality.

For the cross paste, keep it simple: 1/2 cup (60g) of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup (60ml) of water. And for the glaze, you'll need 1/4 cup (60ml) of milk and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Spice Magic

Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg are the core spice trio here. Want to enhance that flavour? A tiny pinch of ground cloves can do wonders.

Cardamom can also add a unique angle to the spice.

Equipment Needed: Keep it simple.

You will need a large mixing bowl, and I love using my stand mixer for kneading, but you can do it by hand.

Use measuring cups and spoons. A baking sheet is a must, lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

You'll also need a small saucepan and whisk for the glaze.

Don't have a pastry bag for the crosses? A ziplock bag with a snipped corner works perfectly. I’ve used that hack loads of times.

This recipe is easy hot cross bun recipe . Also this could be date night food to share with that special someone.

Also you may create chocolate chip bun variations or vegan hot cross buns by replacing butter and regular milk for vegan alternatives.

Unleash Your Inner Baker: Mastering Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns!

Fancy diving into some Easter baking ideas ? Forget boring old recipes! We're talking Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns , the ultimate Homemade Easter Treats that’ll knock your socks off.

Think spiced, soft buns bursting with chocolatey goodness. Honestly, even if you are a novice baker, this easy hot cross bun recipe will have you feeling like Prue Leith in no time! Let's get baking!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!

Right, first things first. Essential mise en place is key. Measure out everything before you start. It makes life so much easier.

Time saving organization tips: Get all your dry ingredients into one bowl, wet into another. This cuts down on frantic searching mid-bake!

Remember folks! Safety first! Make sure to be careful with using the oven, and hot trays. Use oven mitts.

step-by-step to Chocolatey Goodness

Alright, let's make some Chocolate chip bun variations . These instructions make around 12 buns.

Activate the Yeast: Mix lukewarm milk (about 110° F/ 43° C ), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit. It should get foamy in 5- 10 minutes .
Dry Ingredients Tango: Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and spices in a bowl.
Mix it All Up: Add the yeast mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla to the dry stuff. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead Time: Knead for 8- 10 minutes until smooth. It should be fairly elastic.
Chocolate Chip Avalanche! Gently knead in chocolate chips. Spread the love!
First Rise: Put dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled.
Second Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes until doubled.
Bake Away: Pop them in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes until golden. The internal temperature should be over 190F.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Easter Bake

Want to up your Hot cross bun recipe game? Here's the lowdown.

Expert tip: For a richer flavour, use brown butter instead of melted. Game changer!

Common mistake: Over kneading! It makes tough buns. Knead just enough.

make-ahead: Mix the dough the day before, let it rise in the fridge overnight. Then, shape and bake the next day. Easy peasy for Date Night Food

Let's Get Baking!

So there you have it. My foolproof Baked Recipe for Chocolate hot cross buns homemade. Trust me, these are amazing .

They’re spiced, chocolatey, and utterly irresistible. Forget store-bought these are the Spiced Easter bread you need in your life.

Get baking and spread the Easter joy!

Recipe Notes For Your Best Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

Alright, so you're ready to bake some amazing Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns ? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's go over a few extra nuggets of info.

Think of this as a little cheat sheet, eh? Let's get into it!

Fab Serving Suggestions

Plating these beauts is easy. I mean, Honestly, a simple plate works. Sprinkle some icing sugar for that extra touch.

Or, you know? Pop them in a basket lined with a tea towel.

As for sides, they're killer with butter. Or, go wild and add clotted cream and some jam, like your grandma would suggest!.

A nice cuppa tea is also amazing with these. You know, the perfect little Date Night Food treat. Also, these can be amazing Homemade Easter treats .

Storage Know How

Right, so you've got leftover Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns ? Lucky you! To keep 'em fresh, pop them in an airtight container.

They'll be good in the fridge for about 2 days.

Want to freeze them? Go for it! Wrap them individually in cling film. Then, stash them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for about 2 months. Reheat them in the oven for 5- 10 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) .

That way you can enjoy your baked recipe anytime.

Fun Variations On The Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Fancy switching things up? You bet! For a Vegan Hot Cross Buns version, use plant based milk and butter. You can also use a flax egg, with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water.

If you're feeling seasonal, try swapping out some of the chocolate chip bun variations for chopped dried cranberries. Adding a bit of orange zest also spices things up a bit.

Nutritional Nitty Gritty of this Spiced Easter Bread

Okay, let's talk numbers. Each Choc Chip Hot Cross Bun is about 280 calories . They've got around 6g of protein , 10g of fat , and 45g of carbs .

You also get a bit of fibre, which is always good.

Remember that these are just estimates. It all depends on the ingredients you use. But, hey, who's counting when you're enjoying delicious Easter baking ideas ? These chocolate hot cross buns homemade are worth every bite!

This recipe is one of the most Easy hot cross bun recipe that will give you the chance to experiment.

So there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs you need to make your Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns absolutely perfect.

Now get baking, have fun, and enjoy those delicious, chocolatey treats!.

Date Night Food Irresistible Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

My dough isn't rising! What's gone wrong with my Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns?

A few things can cause this, mate! Firstly, check your yeast is it still within its use-by date? Lukewarm milk (around 110°F/43°C) is crucial; too hot and it'll kill the yeast, too cold and it won't activate. Also, ensure the dough is in a warm, draft free spot.

A slightly warm oven (turned off!) can work wonders. Be patient, sometimes it just takes a little longer!

Can I make these Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns ahead of time?

You certainly can! You can prepare the dough up to the first proof, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about an hour before shaping and continuing with the recipe. Baked buns are best enjoyed fresh, but store well in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

You can also freeze them for longer storage; just thaw completely before enjoying and pop them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh them.

Help! My crosses are disappearing when I bake them. How can I prevent this with my Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns?

This is a common issue. Make sure your cross paste is quite thick; too watery and it will spread out during baking. Also, don't skip the glazing step; a milk and sugar glaze helps to set the crosses and keep them visible.

If you are finding that the crosses still disappear, you can bake the buns without crosses and dust icing sugar in a cross pattern once cooled for an easier, quicker method.

I'm not a huge fan of allspice. Can I leave it out of the Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns?

Absolutely! The allspice contributes to the classic hot cross bun flavour, but if it's not your cup of tea, feel free to omit it. You could also substitute it with a smaller amount of ground cloves or just a pinch of extra cinnamon. Remember the beauty of baking is adapting to your own preferences.

If you don't have Allspice, you can substitute with equal parts cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Are there any healthier alternatives I can use to make my Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns a bit lighter?

Definitely! You could substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Using a smaller amount of chocolate chips or opting for dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content can also help.

Swapping regular sugar for a natural sweetener like maple syrup (reduce the liquid elsewhere in the recipe slightly) could be another option, but remember that moderation is key, even with healthier alternatives. Remember to check your measurements if subbing for healthier alternatives!