Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns (vegan) are a wonderful treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Imagine pulling a tray of soft, pillowy buns fresh from the oven, the aroma of warm spices enveloping you like a comforting hug. These vegan versions are a playful twist on a classic recipe, combining the traditional goodness of hot cross buns with luscious chocolate chips that add a delightful sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy brunch, these buns are sure to impress your family and friends.
Making these Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns (vegan) is not only easy but also a fun activity to do with loved ones. Kneading the dough, rolling the buns, and enjoying them straight from the oven can be a fantastic bonding experience. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Why This Recipe Works
The heart of this recipe lies in the combination of warm dairy-free milk and melted vegan butter. When blended, they create an incredibly rich and flavorful base for these Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns (vegan).
Moreover, a perfect balance of spices enhances the flavor profile. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth, while a hint of allspice (if you choose to include it) adds depth. Imagine biting into one of these buns, and enjoying the irresistible aroma filling the air around you.
Lastly, the inclusion of chocolate chips takes these buns to another level. They create decadent pockets of sweetness that put a modern twist on these beloved traditional buns.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns (vegan)
You’ll absolutely adore the soft, pillowy texture of these buns. It’s like sinking your teeth into a cloud filled with flavor. Each bite is a delightful experience, as the flavors dance on your palate.
What’s more, the unique blend of spices combined with the rich chocolate makes them perfect for celebrations or cozy weekends at home. They offer a touch of festivity and warmth, fitting for any time you want to indulge without guilt.
And remember, they’re completely vegan! This makes it easier for everyone to enjoy a classic treat. There’s no need to worry about dietary restrictions—everyone can dig in!
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¾ cup (190g) warm dairy-free milk
- â…“ cup (75g) melted vegan butter, cooled
- ½ cup (80g) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional)
- â…› teaspoon salt (omit if using salted vegan butter)
- ~½ cup (85g) dark or milk vegan chocolate chips
- ~½ cup (85g) vegan white chocolate chips (or more dark/milk chocolate chips)
- 3 tablespoons (45g) water
- 3 tablespoons (25g) all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons (6g) cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar or light-colored liquid sweetener
- Dash of water for consistency
Making the Dough
Prepare the Dough Mixture
Start by using a stand mixer to combine all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in the bowl. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix by hand in a large bowl until everything is well combined, then transfer the mixture to a floured surface.
Knead to Perfection
Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes using a stand mixer or up to 10 minutes by hand. The goal is to form a smooth ball of dough. If you find the dough is too dry, add a dash of warm milk; if it’s too sticky, work in a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
Incorporate the Chocolate Chips
Next, gently knead in the chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for the best flavor. If some chips don’t cling, you can easily reattach them while shaping the buns later.
Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is ready, cover it with a tea towel. Place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for fluffy buns!
Shaping the Hot Cross Buns
Divide the Dough
After the dough has risen, grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper. Divide the risen dough into 12 equal parts, each roughly 75g in weight.
Shape the Buns
Now, roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. Arrange them on the baking tray with a little space in between each roll. Cover them again and let them rise in a warm spot for about an additional hour, until they look puffy and are ready for baking.
Making the Cross and Baking
Prepare the Cross Mixture
To make the cross, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl until you achieve a thick paste. If necessary, adjust the consistency with a bit more flour or water.
Pipe the Crosses
Spoon this mixture into a piping bag. Use it to pipe crosses on each bun just before they go into the oven.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once heated, bake the buns for 22-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The kitchen will smell divine!
Making the Glaze
Combine Glaze Ingredients
In a small saucepan, mix together the sugar, sweetener, and a bit of water. Cook until well combined, creating a simple glaze.
Glaze the Buns
Once the buns come out of the oven, brush them with the glaze while they are still warm. This gives them a shiny, appetizing finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these warm buns with additional vegan butter for an indulgent treat that will have everyone smiling.
- Pair them with a glass of dairy-free milk or your favorite plant-based beverage for a perfect afternoon snack.
Tips for Success
- Make sure that your milk is warm but not hot to effectively activate the yeast. This step is vital for the dough’s rise.
- Consider using a kitchen thermometer to ensure the dough reaches an ideal temperature for that perfect rise.
Variations
- If you want a different flavor twist, consider substituting the chocolate chips with dried fruit or nuts.
- Adding spices like cardamom can bring an exotic flavor profile that enhances the overall experience.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat them for the best taste.
Pairing Ideas
- Enjoy these buns with fruit preserves or even a scoop of vegan ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- They also pair wonderfully with a fruity herbal tea, making it a cozy treat for any time of day.
FAQs
1. Can I make these buns gluten-free?
Yes, if you substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking, you can enjoy these buns too!
2. How long do these hot cross buns last?
They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last for 1-2 days at room temperature, stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze the hot cross buns?
Absolutely! Just freeze them individually wrapped, so they stay fresh. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
4. What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you prefer, you can replace the chocolate chips with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even add nuts for a different mix.
5. What’s the best way to reheat these buns?
Wrap the buns in foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm throughout.
These Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns (vegan) truly strike the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. With warm spices, a chewy texture, and rich flavors, they are perfect for any occasion, from Easter celebrations to a simple Sunday brunch. Try this delightful recipe and savor the comfort they bring!
Print
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
These vegan Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns are soft, pillowy treats filled with rich chocolate and warm spices. Ideal for cozy brunches or holiday celebrations!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¾ cup (190g) warm dairy-free milk
- â…“ cup (75g) melted vegan butter, cooled
- ½ cup (80g) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional)
- â…› teaspoon salt (omit if using salted vegan butter)
- ~½ cup (85g) dark or milk vegan chocolate chips
- ~½ cup (85g) vegan white chocolate chips (or more dark/milk chocolate chips)
- 3 tablespoons (45g) water
- 3 tablespoons (25g) all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons (6g) cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar or light-colored liquid sweetener
- Dash of water for consistency
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a mixer or bowl.
- Knead dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Gently incorporate chocolate chips into the dough.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Divide risen dough into 12 parts and shape into balls.
- Prepare cross mixture and pipe onto each bun.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 22-25 minutes until golden.
- Mix glaze ingredients and brush onto warm buns.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure warm milk is not hot to activate yeast effectively.
Use a kitchen thermometer for precise dough temperature.
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bakery
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0
