If you’re searching for a delightful treat that’s both rustic and bursting with nostalgic charm, the Rock Buns Recipe is just what you need. These charmingly rough-textured buns are packed with sweet dried fruit and a hint of cinnamon, offering a fusion of crumbly, buttery goodness and chewy bursts of flavor in every bite. Perfect for teatime or a comforting snack, these rock buns have that homemade vibe that instantly makes you feel cozy and cared for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Rock buns feature simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting their distinctive taste and texture. The combination of butter and sugar creates that tender crumb, while dried fruit adds bursts of sweetness and chewiness, with a whisper of cinnamon elevating the aroma and warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to your buns.
- Baking powder: Helps these buns rise just enough for a light but hearty feel.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle warmth and aromatic touch.
- Unsalted butter: Cubed and cold, it delivers that rich, tender crumb every bite needs.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering.
- Mixed dried fruit: Currants, raisins, or sultanas add juicy pockets of sweetness and texture.
- Large egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture.
- Milk: Softens the dough and gives just enough moisture for perfect shaping.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses gentle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
How to Make Rock Buns Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Tray
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this simple step ensures that your buns won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). This gives your mix a lightness and evenly distributes the rising agent, so your buns bake up beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mix. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the texture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. This step is key for creating that crumbly, flaky texture that characterizes rock buns.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Dried Fruit
Stir in the granulated sugar and mixed dried fruit evenly through the flour and butter mixture. These little fruit gems will add delightful bursts of sweetness and chew with every bite.
Step 5: Make the Dough
In a separate bowl, beat together the egg and milk, then gently fold this wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms. If it feels a bit too dry, splash in more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together but remains rustic and uneven.
Step 6: Shape the Buns
Spoon out handfuls of your dough onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping them spaced about 2 inches apart. Don’t worry about making them neat—these buns are meant to look rough and rugged, just like little stones.
Step 7: Brush with Milk
Lightly brush the tops of each bun with a little extra milk. This simple finish will give them a beautiful golden sheen once baked.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray in the oven and bake your rock buns for 15 to 20 minutes. They should emerge golden brown, firm to the touch, and smelling irresistible.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the buns cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before digging in. Whether warm and buttery straight from the oven or at room temperature with a cup of tea, these rock buns will quickly become a favorite.
How to Serve Rock Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar over warm rock buns adds a pretty, snowy finish and a touch of extra sweetness. You can also spread them with clotted cream, jam, or a thin layer of butter to complement their crumbly texture.
Side Dishes
Rock buns shine alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack. They also pair wonderfully with fruit preserves, cream cheese, or even a bowl of fresh berries to balance their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch or tea party, arrange your rock buns on a tiered cake stand, interspersed with fresh flowers or sprigs of mint. You can also serve them split and layered with lemon curd or honey for an unexpected but delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, keep any leftover rock buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them tender while preserving their subtle crunch.
Freezing
Rock buns freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring your rock buns back to that just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This revives their buttery aroma and makes them soft inside while crisping their outside just slightly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of dried fruit in this Rock Buns Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chopped dried apricots, cranberries, cherries, or even chopped dates. Just make sure the fruit is not too moist to keep the dough’s texture balanced.
Is the cinnamon essential in the recipe?
The cinnamon is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity that complements the sweetness of the dried fruit beautifully without overpowering the classic flavor.
Can I make these buns vegan?
With some clever swaps, yes! Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and swap milk for any non-dairy milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why do the buns have a rough, uneven shape?
The rustic, irregular shape is exactly what defines rock buns. This roughness gives them their charm and a wonderful texture that’s both crumbly and chewy, making each bite delightfully unique.
How long do these buns stay fresh?
Rock buns are best enjoyed within a few days of baking for peak freshness. Stored properly in an airtight container, they keep well for about 3 days at room temperature and can be refreshed by reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely comforting about making and savoring rock buns, isn’t there? This Rock Buns Recipe promises not just a tasty treat but a little moment of joy with every bite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and whip up a batch to share – I guarantee these buns will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Rock Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Rock Buns are delightful rustic drop scones with a rough, uneven texture, studded with mixed dried fruits and flavored with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. These easy-to-make buns have a golden, crunchy crust with a tender crumb, perfect for teatime or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (such as currants, raisins, or sultanas)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (plus a little extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Incorporate the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs, which will give the buns a tender texture.
- Add sugar and dried fruit: Stir in the granulated sugar and mixed dried fruit to the breadcrumb mixture so everything is evenly combined.
- Make the dough: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together along with the vanilla extract. Gradually add this to the dry mixture, stirring until a rough dough forms. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add extra milk one tablespoon at a time to help it bind.
- Shape the buns: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. The shape should be rough and uneven, resembling rocks.
- Brush with milk: Lightly brush the tops of each bun with a little milk to help achieve a golden, shiny finish after baking.
- Bake the buns: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold to help create a flaky texture.
- You can use any mix of dried fruits you like, such as cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a plant-based milk.
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Brush with milk just before baking for a shiny crust; you can alternatively use a beaten egg wash for richer color.
