Rock Buns

If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, then Rock Buns are the way to go! These little gems have a perfect balance of crunchy, crumbly, and soft in every bite. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and a touch of dried fruit, they’re reminiscent of old-fashioned homemade baking that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon tea, a snack, or a sweet addition to breakfast, trust me—Rock Buns will quickly become a favorite in your home. With that little hint of spice and sweetness, you can’t go wrong. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!

Why You’ll Love Rock Buns

Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple, and the steps are even simpler! You don’t need any fancy equipment—just your hands and a mixing bowl.

Perfectly Crumbly: These buns are a wonderful mix of crunchy and soft, with that signature rock-like texture that makes each bite exciting.

Customizable: While the traditional recipe calls for dried fruit like currants or raisins, feel free to get creative! You can swap in other dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even nuts.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, these buns are a hit every time.

Ingredients

For the Rock Buns:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the buns, giving them structure and texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the buns rise, making them light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Aids in the leavening and adds to the texture of the buns.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For a warm, comforting flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a touch of spice to complement the cinnamon.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Provides that rich, buttery flavor and helps create the perfect crumbly texture.
• 1/2 cup sugar – For a touch of sweetness in each bite.
• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, etc.) – Classic dried fruit that gives the buns their signature sweet bite.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together while keeping the dough moist.
• 1/4 cup milk – To bring the dough together and give it the right consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a subtle, sweet flavor that brings everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps remove any lumps and evenly distributes the dry ingredients.

3. Rub in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This is what gives the buns their crumbly texture.

4. Add Sugar and Dried Fruit:
Stir in the sugar and dried fruit (currants, raisins, or your choice of dried fruit) until evenly distributed.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should still be a bit rough and chunky.

6. Shape the Buns:
Using your hands, take small portions of the dough (about the size of a golf ball) and shape them into little mounds. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round—these buns are meant to look rustic and “rock-like.”

7. Bake the Rock Buns:
Place the shaped dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top and firm to the touch.

8. Cool and Serve:
Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve them warm, or allow them to cool completely before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 buns
Calories per serving: 160
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Rock Buns

With Tea or Coffee: These buns are the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of tea or coffee. Their subtle sweetness and spiciness make them ideal for a cozy afternoon snack.

With Butter or Jam: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, spread a little butter or your favorite jam on top of the buns for added flavor.

As a Snack or Breakfast: These buns are a delicious on-the-go breakfast option or a snack to enjoy any time of day.

Additional Tips

Customize the Dried Fruit: You can mix and match your favorite dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or even chopped dates. Just be sure to keep the total amount of dried fruit at around 1/2 cup.

Make Them Vegan: To make these buns vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg.

Storage: Store your Rock Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll keep well for a few days.

Freeze for Later: If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
A1: It’s best to stick with dried fruit, as fresh fruit will add too much moisture to the dough. Dried fruit provides the perfect sweetness and texture.

Q2: Can I make these buns gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that’s designed for baking.

Q3: Can I add chocolate chips to the buns?
A3: Absolutely! Chocolate chips make a great addition to the dough. Simply fold in about 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips along with the dried fruit.

Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A4: Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter if needed. However, butter will give you a slightly richer flavor and texture.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, you can double the ingredients if you want to make a larger batch. Just ensure you have enough room on your baking sheet to space out the buns.

Q6: How do I know when the buns are done?
A6: The buns should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also use a toothpick to check if they’re done—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the Rock Buns?
A7: Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans would add a lovely crunch to the buns. Just be sure to adjust the amount of dried fruit so that the total mix doesn’t get too wet.

Q8: Can I make these buns ahead of time?
A8: Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q9: How do I store leftover buns?
A9: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q10: Can I freeze these buns?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the baked buns for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion

Rock Buns are a timeless, rustic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their delicious crumbly texture and sweet, spiced flavor make them an irresistible snack. Plus, they’re so simple to make—you’ll be whipping them up all the time! Whether you enjoy them with tea, coffee, or just as a tasty treat, these buns are sure to bring joy to your table.

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