Bake, Relax, and Indulge: Easy Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Easter is just around the corner, and that means it's time for cosy moments, sweet treats, and quality time with your loved ones. What’s our favourite thing about Easter? Aside from our adorable Easter pyjamas – freshly made Hot Cross Buns!

This easy Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Bun recipe is a delicious twist on the classic, swapping out dried fruit for gooey chocolate chips. Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly chocolatey, these buns are a crowd pleaser! Perfect for Easter brunch, afternoon tea, or a warm treat straight from the oven.

Nothing says Easter like spending time at home, enjoying sweet treats, and snuggling up in your festive PJ’s! Our new Easter Range is designed for ultimate comfort, making it the perfect choice for baking days, Easter egg hunts, and relaxed family mornings. Whether you're whipping up our chocolate chip hot cross buns or enjoying a slow start to your Easter weekend, our PJs will keep you feeling cosy and looking cute all season long!

So what are you waiting for?! Slip into your Easter PJ’s and let’s get baking!

Ingredients

For the buns:

• 3 ¾ cups plain flour
• ¼ cup caster sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) dried yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup chocolate chips

For the crosses:

• ⅓ cup plain flour
• ¼ cup water

For the glaze:

• ¼ cup white sugar
• 3 tbsp water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle over the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
4. Add chocolate chips: Gently knead in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place them on a lined baking tray, close but not touching.
7. Second rise: Cover the tray loosely and let the buns rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffed up.
8. Make the crosses: Mix flour and water into a smooth paste. Transfer to a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off) and pipe crosses over the buns.
9. Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow the mixture to bubble for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
11. Glaze the Hot Cross Buns: Remove the glaze mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Brush over the hot buns immediately after they come out of the oven for a glossy finish.

Baking your own hot cross buns is easier than you think, and this chocolate chip version is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a little butter, or toast them for a warm, chocolatey treat. Paired with our comfy Easter pyjamas, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Happy Easter and happy baking! View our Easter Collection now