Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Step 1
Mix the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, and spices, mix for 1 minute.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low slowly add the milk-butter mixture and continue mixing until the dough comes together.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Step 2
Turn the mixer speed to medium-high and let the dough hook work the dough for roughly ten minutes or so. If you are doing this by hand expect it to take closer to 15 minutes.
Mix Dough
Step 3
Your dough is ready when it is smooth and elastic, you may need to hand knead in the orange zest and chocolate chunks.
Add Orange and Chocolate
Step 4
Place dough in greased bowl place a tea towel or plastic wrap on top and let the dough rise until doubled in size, roughly 2 hours*
Proof the Dough
Step 5
After dough has doubled in size turn out on to a floured surface and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Cut
Step 6
Take each piece and turn into a smooth ball by pinching each corner into the center.
Roll the Balls of Dough
Step 7
Place buns seam side down. Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. Roughly 1 hour.
Proof Buns
Step 8
When the buns have risen, preheat oven to 350F/180C. In a small bowl mix together the egg and water, using a pastry brush brush the tops of each roll.
Add Egg Wash
Step 9
Make a flour paste. Pipe a line down the center of each row and pipe across each roll to create the crosses.
Make Flour Paste for Crosses
Step 10
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 23-26 minutes or until golden brown.
Bake
Step 11
Scrumptious toasted with a schmear of butter!