Chocolate and Orange Hot Cross Buns

Chocolate and Orange Hot Cross Buns – Deliciously soft, and fluffy, warm from the oven, hot cross buns. Spiced, infused with orange, and stuffed full of chocolate chips!

These chocolate and orange hot cross buns are so soft and fluffy, and deliciously warm from the oven, ready for a spread of butter. I’ve added some of my favourite flavours to make these buns extra special.

Spiced with mixed spice (pumpkin pie spice is a great alternative here), cinnamon, and nutmeg, infused with orange juice and orange zest, and stuffed full of melting chocolate chips.

All them flavours combined in a warm bun… drools! Did I mention the deliciously warm, sticky orange glaze on top?

To make these hot cross buns, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and spices. Toss in the chocolate chips.

Make a well in the centre, and add in the milk, butter, egg, orange juice, and zest. Mix well, then bring everything together with your hands to form a sticky dough.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.

Cover with clingfilm and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Divide the dough into 12 balls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking tray, cover and leave to rise in a warm place for another hour, or until they are touching and doubled in size.

For the crosses, whisk together the flour and sugar. Stir in the water until smooth. Place into a piping bag, and pipe crosses over the buns.

Bake for 18 – 20 minutes, or until risen and golden brown.

For the glaze, gently heat the sugar and orange juice in the microwave until the sugar has dissolved. Brush the glaze over the hot buns, and serve warm.

The printable recipe card with the FULL list of ingredients and instructions can be found at the bottom of this post.

NOTE: For best results, I highly recommend using the gram measurements (with a digital scale), rather than the cup measurements.

Cup measurements are simply not accurate enough, and I cannot guarantee the best results if you use them.

How long will these hot cross buns last? These buns can be stored, covered tightly, at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze these buns? Yes! These buns freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm up or toast before serving.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and hashtag it #simplybakeblog. I’d love to see!

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