Go Back

Matcha & White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

These Matcha Hot Cross Buns are a gentle twist on a classic Easter favourite. Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced, with subtle earthy matcha and pockets of sweet white chocolate, they’re perfect for a slow, cozy morning at home. Bake them fresh, enjoy them warm, and serve alongside a creamy matcha latte or calming cup of green tea while the house slowly wakes. These buns are made for quiet moments, family connection, and unhurried Easter mornings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Baking
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk
  • 1/2 cup raw sugar
  • 1 tbsp yeast
  • 4 1/2 cups plain flour
  • 2 tbsp matcha powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • 50 gms softened butter
  • 1 1/2 cups white chocolate drops

Equipment

  • 1 mixer
  • 1 measuring cups & spoons
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 baking dish
  • 1 piping bag
  • 1 pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In the mixing bowl whisk together milk, a tablespoon of caster sugar and yeast. Set aside for 10 minutes or until frothy.
  2. Add the egg, butter, four cups of flour, cinnamon, matcha and the remaining sugar. Mix on low until combined, then increase to high for 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth.
  3. Add the chocolate drops and mix on low until well combined, then shape into a ball. Place in a large grease bowl, cover and set aside for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and divide into 12. Shape each portion into a ball and place on an oiled baking tray a few centimeters apart. Cover and set aside to proof for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
    Preheat your oven to 160°C bake.
  5. Make the flour crosses by combining the remaining flour with ¼ cup water to create a thick pipeable paste, adding more water if necessary. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe across your hot cross buns to make crosses. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
  6. Brush the tops with butter and serve!

Notes

Tips:
  • Remove the matcha and swap white chocolate drips for milk chocolate for a more traditional chocolatey treat.
  • To make your hot cross buns glossy, glaze with melted apricot jam or a simple sugar syrup once they've come out of the oven.
  • You don't need a mixer to make the dough but it certainly makes it easier! Give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes