If you’re after a delightfully rustic treat that’s wonderfully crumbly, sweet, and filled with bursts of dried fruit, then this Rock Buns Recipe is just the treasure you need. These little golden gems are perfect for teatime or a quick snack, combining simple pantry staples into a perfectly textured, homely baked good that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly satisfying to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Rock Buns Recipe plays a crucial role in building up its signature crumbly texture, sweet flavor, and hearty appearance. They are simple yet essential, and you’ll find that each element contributes something special to the final result.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your buns, providing structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your rock buns rise just enough to be light but still pleasantly dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, aromatic hint that lifts the taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates that flaky, crumbly texture when rubbed in with the flour.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the buns without overpowering the dried fruit.
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit: Currants, raisins, or sultanas bring bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup milk (plus extra for brushing): Softens the dough and helps achieve a tender crumb and beautiful golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
How to Make Rock Buns Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your buns bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect results.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Sifting aerates the flour and helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices, giving your buns a light texture and balanced taste.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is the trick to getting that rustic, crumbly rock bun texture we all love.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Dried Fruit
Stir in the granulated sugar and mixed dried fruit thoroughly. The fruit will plump up as the buns bake, giving each bite delightful pockets of sweetness and chew.
Step 5: Create the Dough
Beat the egg and milk together in a separate bowl, then gradually add this liquid mix to the flour mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a splash more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it just comes together.
Step 6: Shape Your Rock Buns
Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough should look rough and uneven—this is completely normal and what gives rock buns their charming, rustic appearance.
Step 7: Brush with Milk
Lightly brush the tops of the buns with a little milk. This simple step encourages a beautiful, golden-brown finish once baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your rock buns for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is the best kind of reward.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool slightly. They are delicious warm but also fantastic at room temperature, perfect for nibbling anytime.
How to Serve Rock Buns Recipe
Garnishes
While rock buns shine on their own, a light spread of butter or clotted cream enhances their crumbly texture and adds richness. You can also dust a little cinnamon sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
Side Dishes
Pair these buns with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a classic combo. For a fuller treat, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a lightly dressed salad to balance the sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve the rock buns as part of a rustic breakfast platter? Arrange them on a wooden board with bowls of honey, jam, and butter. Or slice them in half and make sweet mini sandwiches filled with cream cheese and berries for a charming teatime twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rock buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making for a convenient snack or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
These buns freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it easy to bake in batches and enjoy later with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the frozen or stored rock buns in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave briefly. This refreshes their crumbly, buttery texture and revives that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use different dried fruits in the Rock Buns Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite dried fruits like chopped dates, cherries, or apricots. Just make sure they’re chopped small enough to distribute evenly in the dough.
Can I make these buns gluten-free?
You can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. It’s best to use a blend designed for baking to maintain the crumbly texture of the buns.
Is there a way to make Rock Buns Recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the chicken egg. Use plant-based milk, too, for a fully vegan approach.
Why do rock buns have a rough shape?
The rough shape is part of their rustic charm and is what gives rock buns their name. Unlike smooth, round buns, the uneven shape creates lovely texture contrasts and an inviting, homemade look.
Can the baking powder be replaced with baking soda?
It’s best to use baking powder as it contains the right balance of acids and bases for this dough. Baking soda alone may affect the rise and flavor unless balanced with an acidic ingredient, which this recipe doesn’t include.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, crumbly rock bun straight from the oven, and this Rock Buns Recipe truly captures that cozy magic. With its simple ingredients and approachable steps, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. So go on, give it a try, and share these sweet little treasures with friends or family—you’re in for a deliciously rewarding treat.
Print
Rock Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Rock Buns are traditional British sweet buns with a rustic, uneven shape resembling rocks. They are packed with mixed dried fruits and subtly spiced with cinnamon, offering a delightful crumbly texture and a mildly sweet flavor. These easy-to-make buns bake to a golden brown, perfect for teatime or as a 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (plus a little extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (such as currants, raisins, or sultanas)
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 mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Incorporate the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This creates a light and crumbly texture in the buns.
- Add the sugar and dried fruit: Stir in the granulated sugar and mixed dried fruits evenly throughout the flour and butter mixture to add sweetness and bursts of fruit flavor.
- Make the dough: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg and 1/4 cup milk along with the vanilla extract. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a rough dough forms. If the dough seems too dry or crumbly, add extra milk one tablespoon at a time until it just comes together.
- Shape the buns: Using spoons, take portions of the dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. The dough should remain rough and uneven in shape, resembling small rocky mounds.
- Brush with milk: Lightly brush the tops of the buns with a little extra milk. This helps give a golden, slightly 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 when lightly pressed.
- 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, ideal with butter or jam.
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed dried fruits with your favorites such as chopped dried apricots or cranberries.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of mixed spice instead of cinnamon.
- Ensure the butter is cold for the best crumbly texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough buns.
- Brush with milk right before baking to get a nice golden crust.
- These buns freeze well — cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
