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!