Forktionary

Alison Holst's Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of Alison Holst's legendary Hot Cross Buns! This recipe, from New Zealand's baking queen, delivers perfectly spiced, fluffy buns with a delightful, sweet glaze. Easy to follow instructions and precise measurements ensure baking success for both novice and experienced bakers. Get ready for a treat the whole family will love!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 142.7 kcal
Protein 6g
Rating 3.4 (9 Reviews)
Alison Holst's Hot Cross Buns 71

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Alison Holst's Hot Cross Buns

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Alison Holst's Hot Cross Buns? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Alison Holst's Hot Cross Buns

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast, 4 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup packed light brown sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Add 1 cup cold milk and ½ cup boiling water to the dry ingredients.
  3. Stir until well combined.
  4. Let the mixture stand for 3 minutes.
  5. Melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  6. After 3 minutes, stir in the melted butter, egg, and cinnamon.
  7. Gradually add more flour, approximately 2-3 cups, until the dough is firm enough to knead on a lightly floured surface.
  8. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and springs back when you press it with a finger.
  9. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough ball in the bowl, turning to coat.
  10. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-1.5 hours).
  11. Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead lightly.
  12. Divide the dough into 30 equal pieces.
  13. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them in rows, at least 1 cm apart, in a greased baking dish (a roasting dish works well).
  14. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
  15. Once the oven is preheated, reduce the temperature to 200°C (400°F).
  16. Make a paste by mixing ¼ cup all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp of oil. Add enough water to form a thick dough that can be piped.
  17. Pipe crosses onto the buns using a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner snipped off.
  18. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  19. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating ¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.
  20. Remove buns from oven and immediately brush with hot sugar glaze.
  21. Cool completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

7 g

Sugar

21g

Fat

6g

Carbs

8g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion South West Pacific For Large Groups Breads Fruit Oven Potluck Holiday Event Kosher Vegetarian Easter Rolls Biscuits Dietary Spicy Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Yeast New Zealand Brunch Taste Mood To Go Equipment Number Of Servings