Prepare to revolutionize your baking game with these irresistible Sticky Choc Orange Hot Cross Buns - a decadent fusion that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy bun bursting with rich chocolate, zesty orange, and a glossy sticky glaze that transforms an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience. These aren't your grandmother's traditional hot cross buns - this is a modern, luxurious take that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup orange zest
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk and melted butter. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs, orange zest, and chocolate chips. Stir until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a bun. Place the buns on a greased baking tray, leaving some space between each bun for expansion.
- Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the cross mixture by combining equal parts of flour and water in a small bowl to create a thick paste. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
- Once the buns have risen, pipe the cross mixture in the shape of a cross on top of each bun.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are firm to the touch and have a nice dark color.
- While the buns are baking, prepare a sticky glaze by mixing equal parts of sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the warm sticky glaze over the top of each bun to give them a shiny finish.
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Sticky Choc Orange Hot Cross Buns warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- • Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when mixing with yeast to activate it perfectly without killing the cultures • Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor • Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven • Don't over-knead the dough - stop when it becomes smooth and elastic • For the most precise cross piping, use a piping bag or carefully snip a corner of a plastic bag • Brush the glaze while buns are still warm for maximum shine and absorption • These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
