Classic Hot Cross Buns with a Delicious Twist: An Easy Easter Treat!

Get ready to add a delightful twist to your Easter brunch with these Classic Hot Cross Buns with a Surprise Center! This recipe takes the beloved Easter tradition and infuses it with a hidden pocket of gooey, decadent chocolate chips, making them even more irresistible.

Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also yields soft, fluffy buns bursting with warm spices and juicy raisins. So ditch the store-bought varieties and impress your friends and family with these homemade gems.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground mixed spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 7g sachet instant yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 60g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup raisins
• For the Cross:

• 50g plain flour
• 1 tablespoon water
• For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup apricot jam, melted
• 1 tablespoon milk
• For the Chocolate Filling (Optional):
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Now, let’s get baking!

Making the Dough

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, spices, and salt.
   
   
2. Activate the yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
   
   
3. Mix it all together: Add the softened butter, beaten egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to combine everything into a soft dough.
   
   
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
   
   
5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Adding the Twist

1. Prepare the filling (optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch down the air and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Portion the dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
4. Add the twist: Gently flatten each ball into a disc. If using the chocolate chip filling, spoon a small amount into the center of the disc. Pinch the edges together to enclose the filling, then roll the dough into a ball again.
5. Shape the cross: Combine the flour and water for the cross to form a thick paste. Pipe the paste onto the top of each bun in the shape of a cross.

Baking and Glazing

1. Second rise: Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them for rising. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F