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These indulgent Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns bring a twist to the classic recipe with the richness of dark cocoa powder and the bright, zesty flavor of fresh orange. Filled with chunks of dark chocolate and topped with a sweet, golden glaze, these buns make for a decadent treat perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to enjoy something a little extra special.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Buns

1½ tbs dark cocoa powder
1¼ tbs milk, boiled
1 small orange
100ml water, tepid
Heaped ½ tsp instant dried yeast
35g light brown sugar
300g strong (baker’s) flour
3 tsp mixed spice powder
45g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped
160g dark (70%) chocolate, chopped
Cooking oil spray, to grease

For the Glaze

50g caster sugar
2 tsp golden syrup
½ vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped (substitute 1 tsp vanilla-bean paste)
Finely grated zest of 1 orange

For the Cross

¼ cup (35g) plain flour
¼ cup (25g) dark cocoa powder
1 tsp icing sugar mixture
2 tsp vegetable oil

Directions

In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder and boiled milk until a thick, rough paste forms.
Trim and discard the stem ends of the orange. Roughly chop the orange and puree in a food processor until almost smooth.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour tepid water, add yeast, 10g brown sugar, and 100g flour. Whisk by hand until smooth. Then, place the remaining flour and brown sugar on top. Add the orange puree, spices, 1 tsp fine salt, chilled butter, and the cocoa paste. Rest for 30 minutes.
Attach a dough hook to the mixer and knead on low for 15 minutes. Add the chocolate and knead for another 5 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and not wet. If it is, add 1-2 tbs more flour. Scrape into a plastic tub or large bowl lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray. Rest at room temperature for 40 minutes, or until puffed.
Lift the dough up by one side and shake to lengthen. Fold the dough over itself and place it back in the tub. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat the shake and fold. This activates the gluten in the dough. Press plastic wrap on top, cover, and chill overnight.
The next morning, place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Portion it into 8 x 100g portions. Roll each portion into a tight ball and place in a 2 x 3 formation, with the extra two on the side, on a shallow baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and leave to prove in a warm place for 1 hour, or until puffed and almost touching. The buns should bounce back lazily when poked lightly.
Meanwhile, for the glaze, place all ingredients with 1½ tbs water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until thickened and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
For the cross, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl with ¼ cup (60ml) water and ¼ tsp fine salt. Whisk until smooth. Transfer the cross paste to a piping bag or zip-lock bag and set aside.
Preheat oven to 210°C/190°C fan-forced.
Cut a 5mm tip off the piping bag or corner of the zip-lock bag and pipe crosses over the top of the buns. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until firm and bouncy when pressed. Remove from the oven and brush with the glaze. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrients

Calories: 235 kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 90mg
Potassium: 220mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 17g
Vitamin A: 200 IU
Vitamin C: 17mg
Calcium: 30mg
Iron: 2.6mg

The Unique Twist: Cocoa and Orange

What sets these buns apart from the traditional hot cross buns is the infusion of cocoa powder and orange. Cocoa powder adds depth and a slight bitterness, balancing the sweetness in the dough. The richness of dark chocolate elevates the flavor profile, making each bun feel like a decadent treat. Meanwhile, fresh orange zest and orange puree bring an uplifting, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the cocoa and chocolate, creating a well-rounded and harmonious taste. The addition of the orange enhances the overall experience, adding a freshness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

The chocolate and orange combination is a classic for a reason—both ingredients complement each other, creating a balanced flavor that excites the taste buds. The contrast between the deep, rich cocoa and the bright, tangy orange creates a perfect harmony that makes these buns stand out as something extra special. This pairing offers a delightful twist on a traditional recipe, turning ordinary hot cross buns into a luxurious dessert-like treat that will appeal to both chocolate and citrus lovers alike.

The Process Behind the Dough

The dough for these Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns requires careful attention and a bit of patience. The process begins by combining the wet and dry ingredients to form a dough that is smooth, soft, and just the right consistency. The yeast activates the dough, helping it rise and develop a light, airy texture, while the rest period allows the flavors to meld together. The addition of orange puree and spices infuses the dough with flavor, creating a base that is flavorful even before the chocolate is incorporated.

One of the key techniques in making hot cross buns is kneading the dough, which helps to develop the gluten and give the buns their characteristic texture. The dough should be smooth and elastic, and once the chocolate chunks are added, it’s important to knead gently to avoid breaking up the chocolate. After the initial rise, the dough undergoes a second resting period in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to develop further and makes the buns easier to shape. This overnight chill also contributes to the overall texture of the buns, giving them a more refined crumb.

Creating the Cross Decoration

The cross is a traditional feature of hot cross buns, and in this recipe, it’s made with a paste consisting of flour, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil. The paste is piped onto the buns just before baking, creating the iconic cross shape that makes hot cross buns instantly recognizable. This simple yet effective decoration adds a touch of elegance to the buns and also provides a visual contrast to the dark cocoa-colored dough, making them even more visually appealing.

The cross paste is made with simple ingredients, yet it adds a crucial touch that elevates the appearance of the buns. The piping technique can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to create uniform, neat crosses that will make your buns look as good as they taste. Not only is the cross visually pleasing, but it also has a historical significance, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus, which is why it is typically associated with Good Friday and Easter.

The Sweet Glaze

Once the buns are baked and cooled, they are brushed with a sweet glaze made from caster sugar, golden syrup, and a touch of vanilla. This glaze adds a shiny, golden finish to the buns and provides an additional layer of sweetness. The glaze also helps to seal in the freshness of the buns and gives them a beautiful, glossy appearance. The sweetness of the glaze is the perfect finishing touch to these Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the flavor of the cocoa and orange.

The glaze also serves a practical purpose by keeping the buns moist and fresh for longer. The sugary coating provides a light shine that enhances the buns’ appearance, making them look more inviting. It’s a simple step but one that truly elevates the entire experience, making these buns feel like a special treat rather than just another batch of baked goods.

Why These Buns Are Perfect for Special Occasions

These Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns aren’t just for Easter—they’re perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something a little extra special. The rich chocolate and fresh orange make them ideal for birthdays, brunches, or any festive gathering. They are also a wonderful gift for loved ones, as they are unique and homemade, showing thoughtfulness and care in every bite.

Their indulgent nature makes them a great choice for a breakfast treat, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack with tea or coffee. The combination of flavors makes them versatile and appealing to a wide range of tastes, from those who love the depth of chocolate to those who enjoy the freshness of citrus.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Cross Buns

Making Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns can be a bit of a process, but the results are well worth the effort. Here are a few tips to help ensure your buns turn out perfectly:

Use fresh yeast: Yeast is key to getting the right rise and texture, so make sure your yeast is fresh and active.
Don’t skip the resting times: Giving the dough time to rise and develop flavor is essential for the final texture and taste of the buns.
Monitor the temperature: Ensure your water is tepid, not too hot or cold, to activate the yeast correctly.
Pipe the cross carefully: Make sure your piping paste is smooth and not too thick, and use a steady hand when piping the crosses onto the buns.
Let them cool before glazing: Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before brushing on the glaze to ensure it doesn’t melt into the buns too quickly.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns offer a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, combining the richness of dark cocoa and chocolate with the brightness of fresh orange zest. They are a perfect treat for special occasions or when you simply want to enjoy something indulgent and unique. The combination of flavors, textures, and the traditional cross decoration make them not only a delicious treat but also a beautiful addition to any table. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a batch of these scrumptious buns that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with friends and family, these Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrients

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