Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns. The boys were inspired to make these after learning how to play Hot Cross Buns on the keyboard. We found that Australia and New Zealand make chocolate hot cross buns. These reminded me of the chocolate pan I love to eat from the Japanese markets.

Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

2 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast

50 mL warm water

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1 egg

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

260 mL water

18- 5 g pieces of dark chocolate and additional chocolate for piping


1. Proof  yeast and 50 mL water in stand mixer bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes until foamy.

2. Add additional ingredients and mix with dough hook.

3. Transfer into a large lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours.

4. Line bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking pan and an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.

5. Divide dough into 20 pieces. Press a piece of chocolate into the center of each ball, fold the dough around it and pinch to seal. Roll into balls and place in baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in pans on wire rack.

7. Melt dark chocolate in a microwave safe bowl at 50% heat for 30 seconds at a time. Transfer into a plastic baggie and cut off a corner. Pipe crosses onto the buns.