Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Welcome to a delightful baking adventure! Today, we’re diving into the world of Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns. These buns are the perfect blend of soft, sweet brioche and rich chocolate, making them a delightful treat any time of the year. Whether it’s for Easter, a cozy brunch, or simply an indulgent snack, these hot cross buns will win over your heart and taste buds.
Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked bun, with the aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. Each bite is fluffy, sweet, and oh-so-chocolaty! What makes this recipe special is the combination of high-quality ingredients like rich cocoa powder and decadent chocolate. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup / 250ml Warm Milk
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Cup / 100g White Sugar
- 2 tsp / 7g Active Dry Yeast
- 3 1/4 Cups / 400g Bread Flour
- 1/4 Cup / 25g Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 Tbsp / 55g Butter
- 4.5oz / 125g Chopped Chocolate or Chocolate Chips
- 2 1/2 Tbsp Flour (for crosses)
- 1 tsp Cocoa Powder (for crosses)
- 2 Tbsp Water (for crosses)
- 1/4 Cup / 50g White Sugar (for syrup)
- 1/4 Cup / 60ml Water (for syrup)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the yeast and mix again. Leave to sit for about 10-15 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl if you’re making these by hand), add the flour, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Pour the bubbly yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed for a few minutes until a dough forms.
- Add the butter (make sure it’s room temperature) and mix again for 5-10 minutes until you have a soft, smooth dough. If you’re doing this by hand, use a wooden spoon to form a dough, then knead the butter into the dough on a clean work surface.
- Add the chopped chocolate to the dough and knead again until the chocolate is evenly mixed through.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover and leave to rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in volume. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it overnight for a slower rise.
- Divide the dough into eight pieces. This is easiest done by weighing the dough and dividing it by eight.
- Shape each piece into a ball by pinching the bottom and rolling it on your work surface.
- Place the balls of dough into a greased rectangular baking dish, cover, and leave to rise for an hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- For the crosses, pipe a mixture made of 2 1/2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of water onto the chocolate dough balls in one continuous line.
- Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.
- While the hot cross buns are still warm, use a pastry brush to cover each bun with the sugar syrup made by heating 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat until dissolved.
- Mix the chocolate cross ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Add to a piping bag and cut off the end to create a small piping tip.
Tips & Variations
- Make it your own: Feel free to substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate or even dried fruit for a fruity twist!
- Extra fluffy buns: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best dough consistency.
- Overnight rise: For enhanced flavor, let the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight.
- Serving warm: Serve these buns warm with a pat of butter for an indulgent breakfast treat!
Serving Suggestions
These Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns are perfect for any occasion! They can be served:
- As a sweet breakfast treat with your morning coffee
- At brunch gatherings or family get-togethers
- As a delightful dessert after dinner
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
Conclusion
Making your own Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns at home is a satisfying and rewarding experience. Not only do they taste heavenly, but they also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these buns are sure to impress everyone. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the magic of baking!
FAQ
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the buns and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
How do I store leftover buns?
Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
While you can use whole wheat flour, it may change the texture and density of the buns. It’s best to stick with bread flour for the fluffiest results.
What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
You can substitute with instant yeast or fresh yeast. Just adjust the quantities as needed, as fresh yeast typically requires more.
Delicious Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: Baked GoodsDifficulty: Medium8
servings30
minutes30
minutes295
kcalBake delicious Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns with our easy recipe, perfect for any occasion. Discover the joy of homemade baked treats!
Ingredients
1 Cup / 250ml Warm Milk1 Cup / 250ml Warm Milk
1 Egg1 Egg
1/2 Cup / 100g White Sugar1/2 Cup / 100g White Sugar
2 tsp / 7g Active Dry Yeast2 tsp / 7g Active Dry Yeast
3 1/4 Cups / 400g Bread Flour3 1/4 Cups / 400g Bread Flour
1/4 Cup / 25g Cocoa Powder1/4 Cup / 25g Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Salt1 tsp Salt
4 Tbsp / 55g Butter4 Tbsp / 55g Butter
4.5oz / 125g Chopped Chocolate / Chocolate Chips4.5oz / 125g Chopped Chocolate / Chocolate Chips
2 1/2 Tbsp Flour2 1/2 Tbsp Flour
1 tsp Cocoa Powder1 tsp Cocoa Powder
2 Tbsp Water2 Tbsp Water
1/4 Cup / 50g White Sugar1/4 Cup / 50g White Sugar
1/4 Cup / 60ml Water1/4 Cup / 60ml Water
Directions
- Combine warm milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. Whisk until mixed.
- Add yeast and let sit for 10-15 minutes until frothy.
- In a larger bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Add butter and mix for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Knead in the chopped chocolate.
- Let the dough rise in an oiled bowl for about 2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
- Divide dough into eight pieces and shape into balls.
- Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Pipe crosses onto the buns and bake for 30 minutes.
- Brush with sugar syrup while warm.











