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Chocolate orange hot cross buns: soft, fluffy, and packed with orange zest, mixed peel & chocolate chunks. An irresistible Easter baking twist.

Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are a classic Easter bake everyone should try at least once but this chocolate orange version is one you’ll want to make every year. These hot cross buns are soft, fluffy, and best served warm with a generous spread of butter.

Traditionally, hot cross buns are filled with mixed peel, raisins, and warming spices. For a delicious twist, I’ve partnered with the Jaffa Fruit team to create these irresistible chocolate orange hot cross buns. Combining the timeless flavours of citrus with rich chocolate, they’re the perfect upgrade to a traditional recipe!

Packed with orange zest, mixed peel, and melty chocolate chips, these buns celebrate the classic chocolate orange flavour combination in every bite. If you’re looking for an easy Easter baking recipe or a unique take on traditional hot cross buns, this is the one to try.

Ingredients

• Strong white bread flour– High in protein, this flour gives structure and helps create those soft, fluffy hot cross buns with a light, airy texture.
• Instant yeast– Essential for rising, yeast helps the dough become soft and pillowy while adding that classic bread flavour.
• Caster sugar– Adds a subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast for a better rise.
• Salt– Enhances all the flavours and balances the sweetness in your hot cross buns.
• Butter– Adds richness and creates a soft, tender crumb in the buns.
• Whole milk– Provides moisture and richness, making the buns extra soft and fluffy.
• Large egg– Helps bind the dough together and adds structure and richness.
• Egg yolk– Boosts richness and gives the buns a softer, more tender texture.
• Mixed peel– A traditional hot cross bun ingredient that adds chewy texture and a citrusy sweetness.
• Orange zest– Brings a fresh, zesty flavour that enhances the chocolate orange combination.
• Chocolate chips– Melt into the buns for pockets of rich chocolate, making these extra indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A delicious twist on a classic– These hot cross buns combine traditional flavours with rich chocolate and fresh orange for the ultimate Easter upgrade.
2. Soft, fluffy texture– Made with strong bread flour and enriched dough, these buns are perfectly light, airy, and bakery-quality at home.
3. Perfect chocolate orange flavour– With orange zest, mixed peel and chocolate chips, every bite is packed with that classic chocolate orange combination.
4. Easy Easter baking recipe– Simple ingredients and step-by-step method make this ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike.
5. Better than shop-bought– Freshly baked hot cross buns are softer, richer, and far more flavourful than anything you can buy.
6. Perfect served warm– Toasted with butter, these buns make the ultimate Easter breakfast or afternoon treat.

How To Make Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns

Mix the ingredients– In a large bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, sea salt, caster sugar, and instant yeast.

Add wet ingredients– Pour in the warmed milk, butter and add the eggs. Mix everything together until a dough forms.

Knead the dough– Knead for 5–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch. (You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for ease.)

Incorporate chocolate chips– Add the orange zest, mixed peel and chocolate chips towards the end of kneading and continue until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

First rise– Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling film. Leave to rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the buns– Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead to knock back the air. Divide into 12 equal portions (around 120g each) and shape into balls.

Second rise– Place the dough balls onto a lined baking tray, leaving about 1cm between each. Cover loosely with lightly oiled cling film and leave to rise again for 45–60 minutes, while you preheat the oven to Gas mark 6, 200°C (180°C fan).

Pipe the crosses– Mix plain flour, cocoa powder and water to form a smooth paste. Transfer to a piping bag and carefully pipe crosses over each bun.

Bake– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until risen and cooked through.

Finish and cool– Remove from the oven and, if desired, brush with honey or golden syrup for a sticky, shiny finish. Leave to cool before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Use strong bread flour for the best texture– The high protein content helps develop gluten, giving your hot cross buns that soft, chewy, and fluffy texture.
• Don’t kill the yeast– Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. Too much heat can kill the yeast and prevent your dough from rising properly.
• Knead until smooth and elastic– Proper kneading is key to light, airy buns. The dough should feel springy and pass the “windowpane test” when ready.
• Be patient with proving– Allow enough time for both rises. Well-proofed dough creates soft and fluffy hot cross buns with great flavour.
• Add chocolate chips at the end– This prevents them from melting too early and ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
• Don’t overcrowd the tray– Leave a small gap between each bun so they have room to rise and bake evenly while still keeping that classic pull-apart shape.
• Pipe crosses carefully– For neat, defined crosses, make sure your paste is smooth and pipe slowly with even pressure.
• Check for doneness– Your buns should sound slightly hollow when tapped underneath and have a light golden finish.
• Brush for a glossy finish– A light coating of honey or sugar syrup after baking gives that classic sticky, shiny hot cross bun look.
• Best served warm– Toast and spread with butter for the ultimate Easter baking treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chocolate orange hot cross buns ahead of time?

Yes! These chocolate orange hot cross buns can be made a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container and reheat or toast before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Why didn’t my hot cross buns rise properly?

This is usually due to inactive yeast or milk that was too hot. For the best soft and fluffy hot cross buns, ensure your yeast is fresh and your milk is just warm to the touch.

Can I freeze hot cross buns?

Yes, these buns freeze really well. Once cooled, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Defrost and toast to enjoy your Easter hot cross buns anytime.

What’s the best way to serve hot cross buns?

They’re best served warm with butter. Toasting enhances the chocolate and orange flavours, making them even more delicious.

Can I customise this recipe?

Definitely! You can swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or add extra orange zest for a stronger citrus flavour in your chocolate orange buns.

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These chocolate orange hot cross buns are the perfect twist on a traditional Easter bake. Soft, fluffy, and packed with rich chocolate and zesty orange flavour, they bring something a little extra special to your Easter table.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this easy hot cross buns recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress. Once you try them fresh from the oven (preferably toasted with butter!), they’re sure to become a yearly baking tradition!

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