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Home » Recipes » Baking Recipes » Chocolate chunk hot cross buns

Chocolate chunk hot cross buns

April 12, 2022 by Alida Ryder 82 Comments

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This extra-spicy, chocolate chunk hot cross buns recipe is perfect for Easter and the dough can be made ahead to save time in the kitchen. Hot cross buns are essential for Easter.  Eaten as is, toasted then slathered in butter they are my favorite Easter breakfast. I bake a batch of these spiced, sweet buns every year around Easter but this year I decided to amp it up a little.

Chocolate chunk hot cross buns in baking sheet

Ingredients

This hot cross bun recipe is very simple and requires ingredients you would use for any enriched, yeasted dough. Adding eggs, butter and milk to a bread dough recipe results in a richer dough which bakes into the perfect soft and fluffy buns. I added a lot of chocolate chunks to this recipe because chocolate makes everything better. If you don’t like raisins, you could omit the raisins and just add chocolate but I kind of like the fruity burst of sweetness the raisins add, especially with the addition of bitter dark chocolate.

  • Flour. All purpose flour or bread flour will both work.
  • Instant yeast. 
  • Sugar. 
  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves.
  • Salt. 
  • Butter. I use salted butter but unsalted butter can be used instead.
  • Eggs. 
  • Milk. 
  • Dark chocolate.
  • Raisins. The raisins can be omitted or substituted with dried cranberries, currants or sultanas. Chopped dried apricots can also be used.

Chocolate chunk hot cross buns with butter

How to make hot cross buns

  1. Make the dough: Hot cross buns are made with enriched dough. You can absolutely makes these by hand but I prefer using my stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir together flour, yeast, sugar and a few teaspoons ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. You could use allspice too but it’s not something I have in my kitchen often. in a large mixing bowl then mix in milk, eggs, melted butter and sugar and mix until a smooth dough forms. If making by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. In the mixer, allow to knead for 5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm place. When the dough has proofed, knead in the raisins and chocolate chunks then allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
  2. Form and bake the buns: Form the dough into buns just smaller than tennis balls (they will rise more in the oven) and place on a baking sheet or baking pan lined with parchment paper. Mix together flour and water, transfer the mixture to a piping bag or Ziploc bag and pipe crosses on the top of the buns. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns are golden brown and cooked through. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with simple syrup for shine. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool for another 10 minutes. Serve warm with butter.

Soft Chocolate chunk hot cross buns

What do you eat hot cross buns with?

They are best eaten warm with butter. Hot cross buns are also excellent sliced and toasted.

Do you warm up hot cross buns?

If you using store-bought, I would definitely recommend heating them up before serving them. The easiest way is to toast them but you can also wrap them in foil and warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

Chocolate chunk hot cross buns on table

More Easter recipes you will love:

  • Easter Candy bark
  • Garlic rosemary leg of lamb
  • Toasted coconut cupcakes
  • Puff pastry asparagus bundles
  • Slow-braised lamb shanks
Choc chunk hot cross buns

Chocolate chunk hot cross buns

This extra-spicy, chocolate chunk hot cross buns recipe is perfect for Easter and the dough can be made ahead to save time in the kitchen. 
4.72 from 60 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Baking
Cuisine: Baking
Keyword: Chocolate hot cross buns, Easter recipe, Hot cross buns
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 20
Calories: 203kcal
Author: Alida Ryder

Ingredients

  • 500 g flour
  • 20 g dry yeast
  • 100 g sugar
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • pinch of salt
  • 50 g butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 250 ml full cream milk
  • 1 cup approximately 150g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup raisins

for the crosses

  • 5 tablespoons flour
  • 3-4 tablespoons water

for the glaze

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, spices and salt in a bowl and mix until combined.
  • In a measuring jug, whisk together the melted butter, eggs and milk then pour into the dry ingredients.
  • Mix until a sticky, soft dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
  • Place the dough into a bowl and cover with clingfilm and allow to rise for 1 hour
  • When the dough has risen, remove from the bowl and knead in the raisins and chocolate. Return to the bowl, cover and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 180°c and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  • Form the dough into buns just smaller than tennis balls (they will rise more in the oven) and place on the prepared tray. Cover loosely then allow to rise for 30 minutes
  • Mix together flour and water, transfer to a piping bag or Ziploc bag and pipe crosses on the top of the buns.
  • Allow to bake for 25-30 minutes until the hot cross buns are golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the buns are baking, combine the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan and allow to come to a boil.
  • When the buns have baked, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the glaze over the top.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving with butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1.6mg

 


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Filed Under: Baking Recipes, Bread Recipes, Breakfast Recipes, Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: baking, baking recipes, brioche, chocolate hot cross buns, Easter, Easter recipes, hot cross bun recipe, hot cross buns

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Comments

  1. Wendy Carrazon

    April 23, 2021 at 9:55 AM

    Very keen to try this recipe. Just one question – once baked can we freeze them

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      May 18, 2021 at 2:54 PM

      You could, yes. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kristiana

    April 2, 2021 at 11:15 AM

    Hi! Making these now, I hope they turn out well! Just wanted to highlight that your recipe has two inconsistencies – in the blog post you mention tennis ball sized and not to let rise once formed into said tennis ball size balls, but in the recipe at the end you say golf ball and an extra 30 mins to rise (2hrs total now) — which is correct?? I am doing tennis balls with the extra rising… Wish me luck.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 19, 2021 at 3:54 PM

      Hope you loved them. I’ve amended the recipe, thanks for bringing that to my attention!

      Reply
  3. Stephanie

    March 30, 2021 at 6:05 PM

    I’ve been making this recipe for the last 2-3 years everytime easter comes around. Its an absolute winner! Better than Woolies. I do omit the chocolate and use raisins, but that’s mainly because I never have chocolate chips on hand! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Louise

    March 26, 2021 at 7:28 AM

    These look incredible!! I love hot cross buns! If I wanted to make a traditional version could I just leave the chocolate out? I realize I sound crazy asking this as the chocolate probably makes it amazing but just wondering lol.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 31, 2021 at 4:12 PM

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  5. Trish

    January 22, 2021 at 7:38 PM

    Amazing recipe! Made them today and they were absolutely perfect. I added some candied orange peel to give the buns a bit of a zesty kick and it worked beautifully with the dark chocolate and raisins. Will definitely be making these again! 10/10

    Reply
  6. Rose

    June 11, 2020 at 8:43 AM

    What type of flour, you used?
    All purpose or bread flour .

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      June 11, 2020 at 1:48 PM

      Either but I prefer all purpose.

      Reply
      • Rose

        June 13, 2020 at 7:58 AM

        Thank you so much

        Reply
  7. Grace

    April 11, 2020 at 2:33 PM

    I just made these choc chip hot cross buns and they are truly amazing. They are nice and soft and delicious – not dense like other recipes I have used in the past. I will be saving this recipe for future reference!! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Mia

      January 15, 2021 at 4:54 AM

      Would using gluten free flour work with this recipe?

      Reply
      • Alida Ryder

        January 24, 2021 at 8:38 AM

        I haven’t tested it so I can’t say with certainty, I’m afraid. If you have a gluten free flour that works for you with other bread recipes, it shouldn’t be an issue.

        Reply
  8. Rebecca

    April 11, 2020 at 11:05 AM

    I’m so excited to bake these! Quick question, I want to make the dough tonight and bake them tomorrow. Should I store them in the fridge after forming them into buns?

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 11, 2020 at 1:39 PM

      Yes, you can allow them to rise overnight in the fridge. Just cover them with plastic wrap.

      Reply
  9. Howard

    April 11, 2020 at 10:43 AM

    I am a male in my early 60’s and bake for the first time yesterday. Thought that I would do a trial run, HAH, all gone, neighbours reodering, kids and grandies giving specific fillings etc, so gues what, I am busy making another batch again. Was a bit worried that I wouldnt get all 20 out. Absolute Perfection and all 20.

    Reply
  10. Lydya

    April 4, 2020 at 2:57 AM

    Hi made this for first time and loved it being a non-raisin lover! Baking again for second time for a couple of friends. So will be mailing off to them, might take 4-5 days delivery. My question is, should I leave the sugar glaze and provide it separately in a small container? Wondering if sugar glaze will cause it to go funny during delivery?

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 8, 2020 at 8:22 AM

      Apologies for the late reply. The glaze will actually preserve them a little and is best used as the buns come out of the oven.

      Reply
  11. Lejla

    April 3, 2018 at 11:20 PM

    I live somewhere where you can’t get hot cross buns and my craving for them has been through the roof this year. THANK YOU for this recipe. I am known to be a terrible baker, but this was really easy and now I am a happy camper.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 4, 2018 at 3:39 PM

      I’m so happy to hear that!

      Reply
  12. Traci

    March 31, 2018 at 3:34 PM

    Can’t believe I’ve never baked hot cross buns…and I used to be a bread baker. I really need to try these sometime. Yours look stunningly delicious! Thanks for the recipe inspiration!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:12 PM

      Thanks so much Traci. It definitely is a winner and you will LOVE baking them.

      Reply
  13. Lynette

    March 31, 2018 at 2:53 PM

    Simply yummy

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:12 PM

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  14. Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale

    March 31, 2018 at 10:33 AM

    Do you know, I have never had a cross bun? I honestly haven’t heard of them until I started seeing pictures of them shared on Instagram. I apparently have been living under a rock and missing out. I recently saw a much plainer version of cross buns at our store’s bakery. Your version looks much more lovely. The combinations of cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, cloves, raisins, and CHOCOLATE sound Devine. I can’t wait to try this recipe.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:13 PM

      Thanks so much Katie. They are absolutely scrumptious and you MUST make them. You won’t be sorry. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Danielle

    March 31, 2018 at 10:18 AM

    I haven’t had my first hot cross bun of the year yet! These look amazing, and I love how much spice there is in them.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:13 PM

      Thanks Danielle! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Emily

    March 31, 2018 at 9:43 AM

    These look sooo delicious, spread with butter there’s nothing better!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:13 PM

      So right you are Emily! There’s nothing better than a warm hot cross bun with butter.

      Reply
  17. Julie

    March 31, 2018 at 9:16 AM

    I love hot cross buns, especially as you suggested, toasted and slathered in butter. Happy Easter Alida thanks for sharing.
    Julie

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:14 PM

      Thanks so much Julie! Happy Easter to you too!

      Reply
  18. Tercia

    March 28, 2018 at 7:31 PM

    Yummy! Not a lover of dark chocolate find it bitter, but will follow he recipie on Saturday and share feedback & picks?

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:15 PM

      Yes please! You could definitely use milk chocolate but I think the dark works well with all the sweetness from the raisins and sugar.

      Reply
  19. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

    March 28, 2018 at 6:45 PM

    I remember these Alida, and I’m still drooling over them! Perfect for Easter!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:15 PM

      Thanks so much Mary Ann! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Dee

    March 28, 2018 at 1:48 PM

    Thanks for the recipe, am baking them this Easter .

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:15 PM

      I hope you love them!

      Reply
  21. Jo-Anne

    March 28, 2018 at 1:01 PM

    The hot cross buns are easy to make, taste delicious with or without the chocolate chunks. This was my first attempt at baking hot cross buns and it was a hit! On my menu for this easter weekend.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 2, 2018 at 8:16 PM

      So glad to hear that Jo-Anne! 🙂 Happy Easter!

      Reply
  22. Paula

    March 28, 2018 at 12:49 PM

    Such a great recipe. The buns are always so soft and delicious.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 28, 2018 at 1:05 PM

      Thanks Paula!

      Reply
  23. Fiona

    March 28, 2018 at 12:47 PM

    These are absolute perfection. I bake them every year and they have become famous in my family.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 28, 2018 at 1:06 PM

      Thanks so much Fiona! 🙂

      Reply
    • Katie

      March 13, 2021 at 4:56 AM

      Hi just wondering what kind of yeast is used in this recipe? I have instant yeast and was thinking that 20g of it would be too much.

      Reply
      • Alida Ryder

        March 23, 2021 at 5:41 PM

        Instant yeast.

        Reply
  24. Cindy

    October 16, 2017 at 5:30 PM

    These are high on the list to try this season. I am always a bit intimidated with proofing, but the chocolate in this recipe is compelling me. I think my boys will really enjoy these. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      October 17, 2017 at 9:08 AM

      Don’t be scared at ALL. The yeast does all the work for you. Your boys are going to LOVE these! 😉

      Reply
  25. meal5

    May 19, 2017 at 9:12 AM

    it looks delicious! I will tag you in the photo and put your ig name and website address on the post!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      May 21, 2017 at 3:03 PM

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  26. Aarti

    May 3, 2017 at 5:25 AM

    Absolutely delish. I used all cranberry as I don’t like other dried fruit.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      May 4, 2017 at 9:26 PM

      Love that idea!

      Reply
  27. Cindy Rodriguez

    April 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM

    Seeing hot cross buns takes me back to elementary school when I was learning to read music and the song “hot cross buns” was the very first song we learned except that these are food and that is so much more exciting! These look so delicious

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 26, 2017 at 10:41 AM

      Food is ALWAYS so much more exciting. 🙂

      Reply
  28. [email protected]

    April 16, 2017 at 7:28 AM

    Love the chocolate chunks.These are definitely some of the hottest looking hot cross buns I’ve seen this Easter!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 23, 2017 at 12:40 PM

      Thanks so much Diane! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Natasha @ Salt & Lavender

    April 15, 2017 at 4:15 AM

    I love hot cross buns… and with chocolate chunks sounds amazing!!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 23, 2017 at 12:41 PM

      Thanks Natasha! They are definitely a classic!

      Reply
  30. elizabeth

    April 13, 2017 at 6:39 PM

    I love hot cross buns! I cannot wait to try your recipe! Happy Easter!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 23, 2017 at 12:41 PM

      I hope you love them Elizabeth!

      Reply
  31. Benny

    April 13, 2017 at 6:02 PM

    I think I drooled on myself.

    Yup. Definitely did.

    And WHO doesn’t like hot cross buns!? (the one direction comment had me dying ?)

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 13, 2017 at 6:20 PM

      You’d be surprised how many people turn up their noses. I don’t get it!

      Reply
  32. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

    April 13, 2017 at 2:55 PM

    Oh my Lord Alida!! These look absolutely amazing! I love the added chocolate chunks! I would have a hard time stopping at one or two!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 13, 2017 at 6:21 PM

      Thanks Mary Ann! Those choc chunks just take them over the top! And you’re not alone. I’ve yet to meet the person who could only have one.

      Reply
      • Justine Macabasco

        April 10, 2020 at 12:41 PM

        Hi, this recipe sounds amazing! Just wondering, do I still need to activate the yeast? Or will it work even if just mixing it in with all the dry ingredients and adding the wet to it after? Thanks.

        Reply
        • Alida Ryder

          April 11, 2020 at 1:53 PM

          No you don’t have to but you can if you want. 🙂

          Reply
  33. Edenpassante

    February 15, 2017 at 11:35 PM

    Yes!! These look incredible!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      February 17, 2017 at 10:14 AM

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply
  34. Pang @circahappy

    March 25, 2015 at 8:19 PM

    I definitely am going to add this to my ‘must do’ list, but not only for Easter, I do want to make them carb ALL YEAR ROUND!!!! They look so scrumptious, and even though I am kind of scared of making bread, I promise myself I MUST try this!!! <3 <3 <3

    P.S. "teenage girl at a One Direction concert" hahaha — That's a good one 🙂

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 30, 2015 at 1:52 PM

      You definitely must Pang! 😉

      Reply
  35. Olivia

    March 24, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    Hi, I found this on FoodGawker and was hoping I could get your permission to post the recipe on my instagram recipe page (@foodie_recipes) as it looks delicious! I will tag you in the photo and put your ig name and website address on the post! Hope this is okay, thanks 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 30, 2015 at 1:56 PM

      Hi Olivia, I don’t mind you using the photo but I would prefer if you don’t post the entire recipe on your instagram and rather re-direct your followers to view the recipe here.

      Reply
  36. Thalia @ butter and brioche

    March 24, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    These hot cross buns are perfection! Nice Job!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 24, 2015 at 7:58 AM

      Thanks Thalia!

      Reply
  37. Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps

    March 24, 2015 at 2:33 AM

    I’ve never had a hot cross bun, but they always look SO good. These are no exception, gorgeous photos as always!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 24, 2015 at 7:59 AM

      NO! You MUST try them. Bake them immediately! 😉 Thanks Nicole!

      Reply
  38. Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar

    March 23, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    Well, these are certainly my kind of hot crossed bun!! Yum!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 24, 2015 at 8:00 AM

      Thanks Katrina! 🙂

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Alida, mom of twins and creator of Simply Delicious. I hope to encourage a love for cooking by creating fool-proof recipes that are easy and delicious. Read More…

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