Name: The Best Cross Buns Recipe Guyanese
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12 buns
Cuisine: Guyanese
Ingredients: 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup warm water (110°F); 3/4 cup warm milk (not hot); 2 eggs (room temperature); 1/4 cup melted butter; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed); 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup mixed fruits, currants, or raisins; 1/2 cup flour; 1/3 cup water (adjust to form a paste); 1 egg white; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp water; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Every Easter growing up in my Guyanese home meant one thing—Hot Cross Buns baking in the kitchen while my siblings and I eagerly waited for that warm first bite. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet fruits floating through the house still takes me back.

I’ve been making this Cross Buns Recipe Guyanese style ever since I moved away from Guyana, and every batch brings those comforting memories flooding back.

This version is soft, slightly sweet, and full of that signature flavor that makes it perfect for a holiday breakfast or afternoon tea.

Whether you’re familiar with Cross Buns or you’re trying them for the first time, I’ll guide you through every step to make sure they come out just right.

What Are Hot Cross Buns?

Hot Cross Buns are sweet, spiced buns traditionally eaten on Good Friday. Each bun is marked with a dough cross or icing cross on top, representing the crucifix. In the Guyanese version, we add mixed fruits or raisins and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

The taste, texture, and aroma are comforting and symbolic, making it more than just a bakery item—it’s part of a tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Guyanese Hot Cross Buns Recipe?

It’s rooted in tradition and memory—straight from my family’s kitchen in Guyana.
Uses basic pantry ingredients—no hard-to-find items here.
The buns are soft, fluffy, and flavorful with the perfect texture.

The dough is easy to handle, even for beginners.
You can customize it to make Vegan Hot Cross Buns with simple swaps.

Traditional Cross Buns Recipe Guyanese Version

This Cross Buns Recipe Guyanese version is packed with flavor and warm spices. It’s a staple during Easter in many Guyanese homes, but honestly, I make it anytime I’m craving soft, fruity buns with a little extra meaning.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rise time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Cuisine: Guyanese / Caribbean
Course: Breakfast / Snack / Holiday Treat
Difficulty: Moderate

Yield: 12 buns
Calories: Approx. 230 per bun

Equipment

Stand mixer (optional but helpful)

Mixing bowls
Kitchen towel
Parchment-lined baking sheet

Piping bag or zip-top bag
Pastry brush

Ingredients

For The Dough:

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
3/4 cup warm milk (not hot)

2 eggs (room temperature)
1/4 cup melted butter
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)

1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1 cup mixed fruits, currants, or raisins

For The Dough Cross:

1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup water (adjust to form a paste)

For The Glaze:

1 egg white
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp water

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

You can use store-bought mixed fruits or soak raisins in warm orange juice for extra softness.
Whole milk works best, but dairy-free milk can be used for Vegan Hot Cross Buns—just sub the butter and eggs, too.

If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar works, but you’ll lose a bit of that molasses-like flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

In the stand mixer bowl (or regular bowl), combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tbsp of the brown sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy.

Tip: If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the water too hot/cold.

Step 2: Mix The Dough

Add warm milk, melted butter, the rest of the brown sugar, eggs, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl. Mix gently to combine. Slowly add flour while mixing on low. Then knead the dough for 5–7 minutes (use a stand mixer with a dough hook or do it by hand) until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough ball.

Step 3: Add The Fruits

Fold in the mixed fruits or raisins until evenly distributed. You can use your hands or a spatula to do this gently.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the cross buns dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

I like placing it in the oven with the light on—it’s the perfect cozy spot.

Step 5: Shape The Buns

Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth bun and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes.

Step 6: Add The Dough Cross

Mix 1/2 cup flour with enough water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe cross strips on each bun to form a traditional dough cross.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Glaze

While buns are baking, mix egg white, sugar, water, and vanilla. Brush the hot buns with this glaze right after baking for a shiny finish.

What Do Hot Cross Buns Taste Like?

Hot Cross Buns taste slightly sweet and spiced, with a soft interior and a fruity bite in every piece. The glaze adds a nice hint of sweetness, and the cross adds a symbolic touch without altering the flavor. It’s a comforting bun that feels like home.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm with a pat of butter and a cup of tea.
They make a great holiday breakfast served with scrambled eggs or cheese.
Pair with a warm cocoa drink or ginger tea for a cozy snack.

Slice and toast leftovers for a quick morning bite.

Tips For The Perfect Recipe

Use warm (not hot) milk and water to activate the yeast properly.
Don’t skip the second rise—it gives the buns their soft texture.

Glaze the buns while they’re still warm so the sweetness sets nicely.
If making a vegan version, use almond milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and a flax egg.

Storage Tips

Store cooled cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped buns for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven.
Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the buns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Cross Buns Recipe Without A Stand Mixer?

Yes, absolutely. You can knead the dough by hand—it’ll just take a bit more elbow grease, around 10 minutes.

How Do I Know When The Buns Are Done Baking?

They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped at the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temp should be around 190°F.

Can I Use Fresh Fruits Instead Of Dried?

Dried fruits work better because they don’t release moisture into the dough. Fresh fruits may affect the texture.

How To Make Vegan Hot Cross Buns?

Use plant-based milk, oil instead of butter, and flax or chia eggs. Skip the egg white in the glaze—just use sugar syrup.

Do I Have To Make The Flour Cross?

Traditionally yes, but you can also use icing after baking if you prefer a sweeter version.

I really hope you try this Cross Buns Recipe Guyanese style and share it with your loved ones. It’s not just a bun—it’s a piece of tradition, comfort, and memory all rolled into one.

Let me know how it turns out in the comments or tag me if you bake them—I love seeing your kitchen creations! And if you’re in the mood for more traditional Guyanese recipes, I’ve got plenty to share.

Happy baking!

Cross Buns Recipe Guyanese Style

Bake soft, spiced buns at home with this traditional Cross Buns Recipe Guyanese style—fluffy, fruity, and perfect for Easter or anytime of year.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 30

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1 55

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Guyanese

Servings 12 buns