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
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 egg
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the dough, kneading gently until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve the White Chocolate and Chai Hot Cross Buns warm or at room temperature, and enjoy them with your favorite tea or coffee!
Tips
- Measure Accurately: For the best results, ensure you measure your flour and other ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to dense buns.
- 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.
- Knead Well: Knead the dough thoroughly for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure and chewiness.
- 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.
- 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.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your buns are perfectly baked, tap the bottom of one; it should sound hollow.
- Icing Optional: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled buns.
- 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