Hot Cross Buns with Chocolate Chips

Ingredients

• 2 packets rapid rise yeast or dry (instant)
• 1 1/2 cups milk warm
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar or caster sugar (divided)
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour or plain/all purpose (up to 1/4 cup extra if needed)
• 1 teaspoons all spice or mixed spice
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 semi sweet chocolate chips
• zest of an orange (or 2 tablespoons mixed peel)
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup butter (melted and cooled slightly)
• 1 yolk
• 10 ml milk
• egg yolk (to brush before make the crosses)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate (melted)
• 1 tbsp jam orange marmalade (or apricot jam. You can also use honey, maple syrup, agave or golden syrup)
• 2 tsp boiling water

Instructions

1. 1

   Start by activating the yeast. Mix the warm milk with a little sugar and the yeast, then let it sit until it turns frothy on top.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, spices, salt, orange zest and chocolate chips. Give everything a quick mix so it’s evenly distributed.

3. 3

   Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter and egg.

4. 4

   Knead using a dough hook if using a stand mixer, or by hand on a lightly floured surface. It will look slightly sticky at first; that’s normal.

5. 5

   Knead the dough until soft and smooth. You’re looking for a texture that feels elastic and not too sticky.

6. 6

   Stretch a small piece of dough to check it. It should stretch without tearing easily.

7. 7

   Place the dough in a bowl, cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

8. 8

   Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

9. 9

   Punch down the dough to release the air.

10. 10

    Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.

11. 11

    Place the dough balls into a lined baking tray.

12. 12

    Cover again and let them rise until puffy and slightly touching.

13. 13

    Mix the egg yolk with milk to make the egg wash.

14. 14

    Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash.

15. 15

    Bake until golden brown on top in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 22–25 minutes.

16. 16

    Mix the marmalade with the boiling water to create the glaze. Brush the baked buns with it.

17. 17

    Transfer melted chocolate into a piping bag and pipe crosses over the buns.

18. 18

    Continue piping until all buns are covered with crosses.

19. 19

    Serve warm while the chocolate is still soft.