Cheesy Vegemite Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients

Makes: 12

Preparation Time: 35 minutes. Cooking Time: 20 minutes.

Bun:

14g dried yeast

1 cup lukewarm water

2 Farm Pride eggs, lightly beaten

¼ cup VEGEMITE

1 tablespoon caster sugar

20g butter, melted

3½ cups flour

¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Glaze:

1 Farm Pride egg yolk

1 tablespoon water

Extra VEGEMITE for piped crosses

Here we go

1. Place yeast and warm water in a large bowl and mix until yeast is dissolved. Add Farm Pride eggs, VEGEMITE, sugar and butter and whisk to combine. Stir in the flour and cheese and mix together then knead for 5-10 minutes on a floured surface until dough is smooth and springy.  Set aside in a covered bowl, in a warm place, to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. KNOCK back dough then knead lightly. Divide into 12 even portions. Roll each into a smooth bun and place on a floured baking tray. Set aside in a warm place for 20 minutes or until doubled in size.
3. BEAT together Farm Pride egg yolk and water to make an egg wash. Cut a cross in the top of each bun and brush egg wash over the top. Spoon extra VEGEMITE in a piping bag with a small plain nozzle and pipe into each cross.
4. BAKE in a hot oven 200°C for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bases are crisp and sound hollow when tapped.  Cool on a wire rack.