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Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns That Will Blow Your Mind

There’s just something magical about baking your own Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns at home—especially when the scent of chocolate and warm spices fills the air 😍. If you’ve only ever grabbed a pack from the supermarket, let me tell you: homemade choc chip hot cross buns are in a completely different league. Imagine biting into a fluffy, chocolate-studded bun that's still warm from the oven, the choc bits all gooey and melty… yeah, pure heaven! These buns are a cheeky twist on the traditional Easter bake – ditching the raisins and sultanas (no offence, Nan) and swapping them for loads of chocolate. And the best part? They’re so much easier than you’d expect! 🍫🔥

April 9, 2025
Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns on cooling tray
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Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns: Why You’ll Love These

Whether you’re baking for Easter or just want a sweet treat on a Sunday arvo, this recipe will absolutely win over hearts. Here’s why it’s a favourite in my kitchen:

    • Rich chocolate flavour thanks to cocoa in the dough AND choc chips folded through.

    • Light and fluffy texture, achieved by giving the dough enough time to rise properly (patience = fluffy buns!).

    • Fun for the whole family – the kids will love helping pipe on those crosses!

    • Easily customisable – you can use milk choc, dark choc, or even white choc bits if that’s your vibe.

    • No fancy gear needed – just your hands, a bowl, and your oven!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

Let me spill all the baking tea – these tips will take your buns from good to unforgettable:

  1. Use warm milk (not hot!) to activate your yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for bathwater warm – around 37°C.

  2. Good-quality chocolate bits make a HUGE difference. I love using real couverture choc bits because they melt beautifully and taste luxe.

  3. Don’t skip the second rise. That extra 40 minutes gives your buns time to puff up and ensures a light, airy texture.

  4. Add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance out the sweetness and bring out the chocolatey notes.

  5. For the prettiest glaze, brush the buns as soon as they come out of the oven – the heat will help the glaze soak in and set into a gorgeous shine.

Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns: Serving Suggestions

These chocolate chip hot cross buns are super versatile and taste incredible served in so many ways:

    • Fresh and warm straight from the oven with a smear of butter 🧈 – simple and SO good.
    • Toasted the next day with a layer of Nutella or peanut butter.
    • Turn leftovers into a next-level choc chip hot cross bun bread-and-butter pudding – legit drool-worthy.
    • Make a bun sandwich with marshmallow fluff and strawberries for a decadent dessert moment!
    • Pair your buns with a strong flat white, a mocha, or even a sneaky hot choc topped with whipped cream for the ultimate arvo pick-me-up.

How to Store Your Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns Like a Pro

So you’ve baked a batch (or two) and now you’re wondering how to keep them soft and fresh? No worries – I’ve got you:

    • Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If they start to feel a bit firm, just pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive them.
    • Freezer Friendly: These buns freeze so well. Just let them cool completely, wrap individually in cling film or reusable beeswax wraps, and chuck them in a ziplock bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
    • To defrost: Leave them out at room temp or gently reheat in the microwave or oven.

Other Recipes to Try After These Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

If you loved this choc chip hot cross buns recipe, you’re gonna want to bookmark these sweet treats too:

Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns served on cooling tray

Let's Talk Chocolate 🍫 (The Star Ingredient)

Since we’re celebrating choc chip hot cross buns, it’s only right we talk choc. Here are my top tips for choosing your chocolate bits:

    • Milk Chocolate – sweet and creamy; the classic crowd-pleaser.

    • Dark Chocolate (70%) – rich and slightly bitter; gives a more grown-up twist.

    • White Chocolate – sweet and buttery; great if you’re after a dessert-style bun.

    • Try mixing two types for extra choccy layers – white and dark is.

 

Oh, and please avoid compound chocolate – it doesn’t melt as nicely and lacks that indulgent, smooth mouthfeel.

Final Thoughts: Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns = Easter Bliss

These choc chip hot cross buns are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. They’re the perfect balance of rich chocolate, warm spices, and fluffy bun goodness. Whether you’re baking for Easter, sharing with your mates, or just treating yourself, these buns are guaranteed to impress.

Remember: great baking is all about taking your time, using the best ingredients, and having fun in the kitchen. So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make something amazing!

If you give these choc chip hot cross buns a go (and I really think you should), don’t forget to take a happy snap and tag me over on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. – I absolutely love seeing your bakes come to life!

Happy baking!

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Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns on cooling tray

Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

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Description

CHOCOLATE HOT CROSS BUNS THAT WOW!

You haven’t lived until you’ve had a soft, warm choccy hot cross bun straight outta your oven! These ones are rich, fluffy, and PACKED with melty chocolate bits. They’re the perfect twist on a classic Easter fave – and yes, they’re way easier than you think.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tsp dried yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups milk, warmed
  • 100g butter
  • 1/4 cup caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups plain flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp mixed spice
  • 250g chocolate bits

Flour Paste:

  • 1/2 cup plain flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup water

Glaze:

  • 1 tsp gelatine
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp boiling water

Instructions

  1. Pop the milk and butter into your microwave and heat for 1.5 minutes until the butter is melted.
  2. Whisk in the yeast, sugar and egg.
  3. Add the flour, mixed spice and cocoa powder. Mix everything together until it forms a rough dough.
  4. Tip the dough onto a floured bench and knead it into a smooth ball.
  5. Place it back into the bowl, cover with cling film and leave it in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Flatten the dough and sprinkle the chocolate bits over the top.
  7. Press them in, fold the dough over and knead again until the choc bits are evenly mixed through.
  8. Shape the dough into a rectangle and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
  9. Roll each one into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish.
  10. Cover with cling film and leave in a warm spot for 40 minutes until the buns puff up again.
  11. Mix the paste ingredients together and pour into a ziplock bag. Squeeze out the air, seal it, and snip a small corner off.
  12. Pipe crosses onto the tops of the buns.
  13. Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes.
  14. Mix the glaze ingredients together, microwave for 30 seconds and brush over the hot buns to give them a gorgeous glossy finish!

Equipment

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Australian

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