Cheesy hot cross buns

• strong bread flour↗700g g

  plus extra 5 tbsp for crosses and dusting

• instant dry yeast packs
• warm whole milk500ml ml
• high-quality cheddar↗140g g

  grated

• grated parmesan5 tbsp tbsp

  (or vegetarian alternative)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Mix flour, yeast and 2 tsp salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk. Stir with a wooden spoon, then by hand, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 10 mins, then return to the bowl. Lightly cover with oil‑filled cling film and leave in a warm place until the volume doubles – about 30 mins.

2. 2

   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and fold in most of the cheese. Dust a large flat tray with flour. Shape the dough into 12 round buns and place them on the tray, leaving 2‑3 cm between them. Cover with another lightly oiled film and let rise until almost doubled.

3. 3

   Pre‑heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Mix 5 tbsp flour for the crosses with the parmesan and 5 tbsp water. Transfer to a disposable piping bag and pipe a line along each row of buns, then repeat perpendicular to form crosses. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and bake 20‑25 mins until golden. To re‑heat frozen buns, warm them at a low oven temperature before serving.