Hot Cross Buns, also known as Good Friday Buns, are a British sweet bread associated with Good Friday. They often have dried fruit and may be seasoned with various spices, such as cinnamon. I made a chocolate chip variation. A cross is either cut into the dough or piped over the top.
In an effort to rid Catholic influence during the reign of Elizabeth I, bakeries were only allowed to sell bread with the symbol of the cross during Easter, Christmas, and funerals. Those who disobeyed were forced to give the bread to the poor.
More information on Hot Cross Buns and history.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (~105 degrees F)
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
2- 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons hot water
2 ounces white chocolate, melted
In a medium bowl, sprinkle yeast over lukewarm milk. Let sit for a minute before stirring. Let sit 10-15 minutes until frothy.
In the bowl of a large food processor fitted with a dough blade, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast and milk, melted butter, egg, and 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips. Process until a smooth dough forms.
Place the dough in a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1- 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat oven to 390 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease.
On a lightly floured surface, gently knead remaining 1/2-1 cups chocolate chips into the dough. Divide the dough into 15-16 even pieces and form each into a ball. Place on prepared baking sheet. Cover and let rise 20 minutes.
Bake in preheated oven until tops are golden brown, 18-20 minutes.
To make the glaze, add the sugar to the hot water and stir to dissolve. Brush over hot buns. Spoon melted white chocolate into a piping or ziploc bag. Pipe a cross on each bun. Serve warm.
Adapted from Butter Baking
https://tarasmulticulturaltable.com/chocolate-chip-hot-cross-buns/
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