Description
Rock Buns are a traditional British tea-time snack with a crispy, craggy exterior and a soft interior filled with dried mixed fruits. These easy-to-make buns combine simple ingredients like flour, butter, and dried fruit to create a comforting and flavorful treat perfect for sharing with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried mixed fruit or raisins
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 large egg
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon if using. This mixture forms the base of your dough.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which creates the right texture for the buns.
- Add Sugar and Dried Fruit: Stir in the granulated sugar and dried mixed fruit or raisins to the crumbly mixture, evenly distributing the sweetness and fruit throughout.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate small bowl, beat the egg with 3 tablespoons of milk and vanilla extract if using. This liquid will bind the dough together.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir to combine. Add additional milk, a tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too dry, until you have a stiff dough consistency.
- Shape the Buns: Drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Aim for a rough, craggy appearance to give the buns their characteristic texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm, best enjoyed with butter or jam.
Notes
- These buns are best enjoyed warm with butter or jam for enhanced flavor.
- You can substitute the dried mixed fruit with chopped dates, cherries, or chocolate chips for different taste variations.
- Store baked buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
