The best hot cross buns for your Easter weekend

Hot cross buns at Ima Cuisine. Photo / Michael Craig

Hot cross buns are essential Easter eating. Whether you're a traditionalist or a chocolate fan, that spiced aroma that fills the kitchen at this time of year can't be beat.

Once a delicacy reserved for Good Friday, these days hot cross buns seem to hit the shelves as quickly as the pine needles on your Christmas tree turn brown.

Nonetheless, there's always room for more. So to help you keep everyone satisfied this Easter weekend we've pulled together a few of the best hot cross buns recipes around.

Ima's legendary hot cross buns recipe

Yael Shochat's hot cross buns are hot property. Chefs from other restaurants order them in and people queue outside her Fort St restaurant, Ima, to try them.

Shochat shares her recipe and reveals why they have saved her.

Hot cross buns at Ima Cuisine. Photo / Michael Craig

Classic hot cross buns

This one is for the classic hot cross bun lovers out there. Why mess with the original? The smell of these freshly baked treats will get you in the spirit of Easter.

Get the recipe here.

You can't go past a classic hot cross bun. Photo / Supplied

Cinnamon, spice and all things nice

For the traditionalists who want an extra little something. If you're a fan of some more fruit in your hot cross buns then look no further.

Check out this easy recipe for your Easter weekend baking.

Spice up your life. Photo / Supplied

One for the chocolate lovers

Classic hot cross bun fans might gasp at that the thought of the addition of chocolate but others crave that extra sugar hit.

Add some sweetness to your weekend with this chocolate hot cross bun recipe.

One for the chocolate lovers. Photo / Babiche Martens

Hot cross bun loaf

Swap your standard buns for a special homemade loaf this Easter - it's a gamechanger.

A good spread of butter is the finishing touch, added to a piece torn from the loaf while it is warm. Bonus, it keeps well for a couple of days.

Check out the recipe here.

Serve your loaf with butter for a finishing touch. Photo / Babiche Marten