Elevate your festive baking with Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, where traditional hot cross buns meet the irresistible richness of chocolate. These buns infuse chocolate into the brioche dough, creating a deeply flavorful and luxurious treat. Topped with a distinctive chocolate cross, these buns are not only a delight to eat but also a beautiful addition to any holiday table, especially perfect for Easter celebrations or as a special treat for chocolate lovers.
Why You’ll Love Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns are a chocolate lover’s dream. Each bun is made from rich, soft chocolate-infused dough, offering a decadent twist on the classic hot cross bun. The smooth chocolate cross on each bun adds a double dose of chocolate, making every bite a delightful experience. These buns are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a more gourmet version of the traditional Easter treat, combining the tender texture of brioche with the deep, satisfying taste of chocolate.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Use good quality cocoa powder in the dough to ensure a rich chocolate flavor.
- Double Chocolate: Incorporate melted chocolate into the dough as well as the cross for an extra luxurious treat.
- Proper Proofing: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise, as the enriched dough can take longer to proof.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven to ensure the buns remain moist and soft – they should be just firm to the touch.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter, and use a vegan chocolate.
- Flavor Additions: Introduce orange zest or a hint of cinnamon to the dough for a complementary flavor.
- Without Glaze: Opt out of using a glaze to let the natural flavors of the chocolate shine, or use a simple syrup if a glaze is preferred.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns warm with a pat of butter, or enjoy them as is to fully appreciate their chocolaty richness. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive brunch, serve alongside savory items to balance the sweetness of the chocolate.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the buns for up to a month, well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven or microwave briefly to refresh the flavors and soften the crumb.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use instant yeast? Yes, instant yeast can be used and mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
- How to ensure the chocolate cross stays intact? Pipe the chocolate thickly and carefully on the buns before baking.
- Alternative to cocoa powder in dough? Melted dark chocolate can also be used for an even richer flavor.
Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Elevate your festive baking with Brioche Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, a luxurious twist on the classic treat. Made with rich chocolate-infused dough and topped with a smooth chocolate cross, these buns offer a decadent experience.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, divided (2 ounces for dough, 2 ounces for piping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/3 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat 1 1/4 cups of milk and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until the butter melts; let it cool slightly.
- Stir the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Add 1 large beaten egg and 2 ounces of melted dark chocolate. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bun and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt an additional 2 ounces of dark chocolate and pipe it across the tops of the buns to form crosses.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are puffed up and firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 374mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 7g
