White Chocolate and Chai Hot Cross Buns

White Chocolate and Chai Hot Cross Buns

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy bun infused with the exotic spices of chai and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. These White Chocolate and Chai Hot Cross Buns are not just a treat; they are an experience that will transport your taste buds to a cozy British tea time. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Ready to elevate your baking game and impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into the delightful world of these irresistible buns!

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 buns

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup sugar
  3. 1 packet instant yeast
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  7. 1/2 cup milk
  8. 1/2 cup water
  9. 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  10. 1 egg

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. Mix the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water over low heat until it is warm but not boiling (about 110°F or 43°C). Remove from heat.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk and water mixture. Add 1 beaten egg and mix together until a dough begins to form.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
  5. Incorporate 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the dough, kneading gently until they are evenly distributed throughout.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Shape each piece into a round bun by tucking the edges into the center and rolling it gently on the surface. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.
  9. Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising.
  11. Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  12. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Optionally, you can drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a little milk over the buns for added sweetness.
  13. Serve the White Chocolate and Chai Hot Cross Buns warm or at room temperature, and enjoy them with your favorite tea or coffee!

Tips

  1. Measure Accurately: For the best results, ensure you measure your flour and other ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to dense buns.
  2. Warm Ingredients: When warming the milk and water, make sure they are just warm to the touch (about 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
  3. Knead Well: Knead the dough thoroughly for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure and chewiness.
  4. Let it Rise: Choose a warm, draft-free area for the dough to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
  5. Don’t Rush the Second Rise: Allow the shaped buns to rise until they are puffy and have doubled in size. This step is crucial for a light and airy texture.
  6. Check for Doneness: To ensure your buns are perfectly baked, tap the bottom of one; it should sound hollow.
  7. Icing Optional: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled buns.
  8. Serve Fresh: These buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or within the same day, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 250kcal

Carbohydrates: 40g

Protein: 6g

Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Cholesterol: 25mg

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