Warm the milk until it reaches lukewarm temperature, around 37°C (98°F).
Melt the butter and pour it into the lukewarm milk.
Add honey to the milk-butter mixture.
Stir in the dried yeast and let it sit for 20-30 minutes until frothy.
In a separate bowl, mix the bread flour with salt, creating a well in the center.
Lightly beat the egg and combine it with the Marmite, then pour into the well with the milk mixture.
Mix everything together to form a dough.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or cling film and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This time may vary depending on the room temperature.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Grate the cheddar cheese and sprinkle 130g over the dough, folding it in a few times to incorporate.
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (around 80g each). Shape each portion into a ball and seal the bottom with a pinch.
Line a large baking tin with baking paper and a sprinkle of flour. Place the dough balls inside, sealed side down, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.
Cover the baking tin with a large clean plastic bag or cling film and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Uncover the risen dough balls and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
For the cross, mix the flour with water to create a paste. Place it inside a piping bag and pipe crosses on top of each bun.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the buns turn a deep golden brown colour and sound hollow when you tap on the bottom of the bun with your fingers.
To make the glaze, combine the shred-less marmalade with water and heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt. Mix well.
Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them onto a wire rack. Brush each bun with the glaze while they are still hot.
Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Recipe Notes
Yeast Activation: Warm milk to 37°C (98°F) to activate yeast; avoid extremes in temperature.
Consistent Dough: Thoroughly knead dough for shiny skin and elasticity, ensuring proper gluten development for better texture and rise.
Proper Shaping: Shape dough into uniform balls, firmly sealing to retain air for even baking.
Glaze Application: Brush hot buns with glaze for a glossy finish while ensuring adherence.
Oven Monitoring: Watch buns while baking to prevent over-browning; tent with foil if needed.
Cooling Properly: Cool hot buns on a wire rack to prevent sogginess on the bottom; allow air circulation.