Easter Sunday takes place on 17th April this year and what would the Easter holidays be without hot cross buns?

Recently, supermarkets have been producing more and more interesting flavour combinations - from white chocolate and lemon to masala and chilli. Yum!

But, if you're keen to do some Easter baking over the break and make your own, these are some of our favourite hot cross bun recipes.

They include recipes for traditional hot cross buns to twists including our savoury goat's cheese hot cross bun loaf. We also have puddings including a hot cross bun layer cake and hot cross bun pudding.

How to make hot cross buns

• Yeast is vital and it’s important that the yeast is within date to ensure the dough will rise properly.

• Also make sure the milk you are using is lukewarm – if it’s too cold then the yeast won’t be activated. And too hot will kill the yeast. It should feel lukewarm when you dip in your (clean) finger.

• The dough needs to be kneaded to a point that it's elastic. And by elastic we mean that when you press the dough lightly it should spring back.

• Allow the dough to rise then 'knocking it back' to add the raisins and eventually kneading again before rolling the dough into balls, will prevent large air bubbles from forming in your hot cross buns. This will result in a more even textured and uniform rise

For more inspiration on what to cook and bake over Easter check out our Easter recipes gallery.

Everyone’s favourite zesty cake in hot cross bun form. For an extra citrus hit, serve slathered in lemon curd. The perfect Easter treat!

Recipe: Lemon Drizzle Hot Cross Buns

Complete with orange glaze and zesty spiced butter (or serve with salted butter or zesty marmalade), these generous chocolate buns are a seasonal teatime treat.

Recipe: Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Nothing beats a homemade hot cross bun! These are scented with cardamom and studded with dried apricots for a new twist. Divine served warm, split and slathered with salted butter.

Recipe: Apricot and Cardamom Hot Cross Buns

Our hot cross buns recipe is easy-to-follow and makes the ultimate spiced, Easter treat. Made with currants or raisins and marked with a cross on the top.

Recipe: Traditional hot cross buns

Sticky-sweet buns with a hidden gooey centre. You can of course leave out the ganache chocolate balls if you fancy a chocolate-free version.

Recipe: Marmalade and Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

This hot cross bun layer cake is a real show-stopper for Easter lunch.It couldn't be easier to make but will need at least 6 hours to chill in the fridge.You can make up to the end of step 4 up to two days ahead, keep chilled, then complete recipe to serve.

Recipe: Hot Cross Bun Layer Cake

Hot cross buns aren't just for breakfast! Using hot cross buns that are scattered with cinnamon and sultanas and then covered in custard, this recipe is translated into a fantastic bread and butter like dessert to finish off your Easter lunch with.

Recipe: Hot Cross Bun Pudding

Blondies are a great thing to bake, and these Easter versions are packed with the fabulous spied and dried fruits of the humble hot cross bun.

Recipe: Hot Cross Bun Blondies

Tear-and share this rich hot cross bun loaf for an indulgent Easter breakfast.

Recipe: Hot cross bun loaf

These vegan hot cross buns are so easy to make and super tasty served warm and slathered in vegan spread.

Recipe: Vegan hot cross buns

We love the mix of sweet and savoury flavours in this loaf! Serve warm with butter and extra honey, or toast slices and top with crispy streaky bacon for brunch.

Recipe: Savoury goat's cheese hot cross bun loaf

This satisfying take on the classic hot cross buns recipe is always a winner. Serve just warm, so the melting chocolate chunks mingle with whipped orange butter

Recipe: Hot cross chocolate buns with spiced orange butter