Chocolate hot cross buns recipe

1. 1

   Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and stir in the salt, yeast, sugar and cocoa powder.

2. 2

   Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add the water.

3. 3

   Bring the ingredients together with a spatula initially, then use clean hands to mix together thoroughly and form a soft dough.

4. 4

   Turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for at least 5 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.

5. 5

   This gives the bread a good springy texture.

6. 6

   Mix in chocolate chips and knead for another minute, before dividing the mixture into 16 even buns.

7. 7

   Arrange on a baking tray, cover loosely with a damp tea towel and leave to prove somewhere warm for 2 hours until the buns almost double in size.

8. 8

   Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6.

9. 9

   Mix the flour with a little cold water into a paste and spoon into a piping bag.

10. 10

    Pipe a cross on to each bun then bake for 20-25 minutes until well risen and golden.

11. 11

    Brush with the honey while still warm from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.