Why You’ll Love Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe

These buns blend classic spiced bread with deep chocolate flavor and gooey chocolate pieces for a treat that’s:

Soft, tender and perfectly risen
Filled with chocolate goodness
Finished with a silky chocolate cross for extra flair
Great for sharing with family or at celebrations

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Dough

Bread flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Instant espresso powder
Salt
Cold butter, diced
Granulated sugar
Instant dried yeast
Lukewarm milk
Large egg
Bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Egg wash to glaze
Warmed honey to glaze

Chocolate Icing

Powdered sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Milk
Vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, sift together the bread flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add sugar and yeast.
In a separate jug, beat the lukewarm milk and egg. Pour into the dry mixture and stir to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, sprinkle in the chopped chocolate and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 1½–2 hours until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 12 portions, shape into balls, and arrange in a buttered baking pan. Cover and let rise again until nearly doubled.
Preheat the oven. Brush buns with egg wash and bake until set. Brush warm buns with honey once out of the oven.
For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa and milk until smooth. Pipe crosses on cooled buns using a piping bag or small bag with the tip cut off.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 buns
Prep time: About 30 minutes
Proofing time: Around 3 hours total
Cook time: Approximately 20 minutes
Total time: Around 3 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Add dried cranberries or orange zest to the dough for a fruity twist.
Substitute some chocolate with white or milk chocolate pieces for extra sweetness.
Sprinkle chopped nuts into the dough for a crunchy texture.
Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a spiced chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap each bun in parchment and freeze up to 2 months.
To reheat: Thaw and warm in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I make sure these chocolate hot cross buns rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place for both rising stages.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but you may need to adjust liquid slightly and knead a bit longer for a softer texture.

What kind of chocolate is best for these buns?

Bittersweet chocolate provides rich flavor, but you can use dark or semisweet chocolate chips too.

Do these buns need to be iced with chocolate crosses?

The icing adds flavor and classic appearance but can be omitted if preferred.

Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape them and refrigerate before the final rise, then bake when ready.

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting into the dough while kneading?

Work quickly and, if your kitchen is warm, add chocolate toward the end of kneading.

Is there a substitute for espresso powder?

You can use instant dark-roast coffee powder or omit it; the buns will still be delicious.

Can these buns be made dairy-free?

Swap milk and butter for plant-based alternatives and adjust as needed.

How should I store leftover buns?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or freeze for longer storage.

What’s the best way to serve these buns?

Serve warm with butter or enjoy them plain with tea or coffee.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Hot Cross Buns recipe takes a beloved classic and elevates it with rich chocolate goodness and tender, fluffy dough. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, these buns are sure to delight.

Chocolate Hot Cross Buns