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
Scale
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.
