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Rock Buns Recipe

Rock Buns Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 810 buns 1x
  • Category: Snack, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Rock Buns are a traditional British baked snack featuring a delightful combination of dried fruit and warm cinnamon spiced in a tender, crumbly biscuit. Perfect for tea time or an easy dessert, these buns are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying sweet treat with a nostalgic twist.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, or mixed peel)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Topping

  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout the mixture.
  3. Incorporate Butter: Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which gives the buns their characteristic crumbly texture.
  4. Add Sugar and Dried Fruit: Stir in the granulated sugar and dried fruit of your choice, such as raisins, sultanas, or mixed peel, dispersing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk and vanilla extract if using. This mixture adds moisture and richness to the dough.
  6. Make Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky; if it feels too dry, add a splash more milk to reach the right consistency.
  7. Shape Buns: Drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart as they will spread slightly during baking.
  8. Optional Topping: Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for an added crunch and sparkle after baking.
  9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the buns are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Serve the rock buns warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Rock buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • For a variation, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the butter is cold to create a crumbly texture rather than a doughy one.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg