Triple cheese hot cross buns

Method

• step 1

  In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, yeast, sugar and 1 tsp salt together. Add the Kerrygold® and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. Pour in the warm milk and egg, and mix until it forms a soft dough.

• step 2

  Knead the dough for 8-10 mins on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 mins.

• step 3

  Add the grated mixed cheeses and cubed cheddar, and knead them into the dough until evenly distributed. If you’re adding mustard powder and thyme, mix them in now as well. Shape the dough into a ball and put it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hrs, or until doubled in size.

• step 4

  Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into buns. Arrange the buns on a baking tray, leaving a small gap between each one. Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for another 45 mins, or until they’ve puffed up.

• step 5

  Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. In a small bowl, mix the plain flour with enough water to make a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag (or a sandwich bag with the tip cut off ) and pipe a cross over each bun. Bake the buns for 25-30 mins, or until golden brown on top.

• step 6

  While the buns are baking, make the glaze by heating the milk and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. Once the buns are out of the oven, immediately brush the glaze over the hot buns to give them a glossy finish. Allow the buns to cool in the pan for about 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.