Description
Soft, fluffy Red Velvet Hot Cross Buns with mild cocoa flavor and classic cross topping. Perfect for Easter baking and spring brunch.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp salt
1–2 tsp red food coloring
1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried cranberries
For the Cross:
1/2 cup flour
5 tbsp water
For the Glaze:
2 tbsp sugar or honey
2 tbsp water or orange juice
Instructions
1. Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy
2. Mix flour cocoa powder sugar and salt in a bowl
3. Add yeast mixture egg butter vanilla and red food coloring then mix into dough
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth
5. Place dough in greased bowl cover and let rise 60-90 minutes until doubled
6. Divide dough into 12 pieces and shape into buns
7. Place buns on baking sheet and let rise 30 minutes
8. Mix flour and water to make cross paste and pipe crosses on buns
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes
10. Brush warm buns with sweet glaze before serving
Notes
Use gel food coloring for stronger red color
Chocolate chips cranberries or raisins can be used as mix-ins
Store buns in airtight container for 2 days
Freeze buns up to 2 months
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg