Rock Buns
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious treat, Rock Buns are the perfect choice! These golden, crumbly, and slightly crunchy little cakes are packed with buttery goodness and bursts of sweetness from dried fruit. Despite their rugged name, they are light, tender, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, as a quick breakfast snack, or a comforting homemade dessert, trust me—you’ll love every bite!
Why You’ll Love Rock Buns
Versatile
Perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or an afternoon snack, they fit any occasion!
Budget-Friendly
Uses basic pantry staples, making them an affordable homemade treat.
Quick and Easy
No fancy equipment needed! Just mix, scoop, and bake in under 30 minutes.
Customizable
Swap the dried fruit, add spices, or even toss in chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleasing
Kids and adults alike love these buttery, crumbly, and lightly sweet treats!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Rock Buns
Rock Buns are made with simple, classic ingredients that come together for the perfect bake.
Flour: The base of the buns, giving them their signature crumbly texture.
Butter: Cold butter rubbed into the flour makes these buns light and flaky.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering.
Baking Powder: Helps the buns rise and stay tender.
Egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
Milk: Keeps the dough soft and easy to handle.
Dried Fruit (Raisins, Currants, or Sultanas): The sweet, chewy surprise in every bite.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Cinnamon (Optional): A hint of spice makes these even cozier.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using).
Rub in the Butter
Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingers until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the dried fruit, then add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix gently until it forms a stiff, slightly sticky dough.
Shape the Buns
Using a spoon, drop rough heaps of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Don’t smooth them out—the craggy texture is what makes them “rock” buns!
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the buns cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
How to Serve Rock Buns
These delicious little treats are perfect on their own, but here are some serving ideas to make them even better:
- With Butter & Jam – Slice them open and spread with butter, jam, or honey.
- Alongside a Cup of Tea – A classic British teatime treat!
- Drizzled with Icing – Add a simple glaze for a sweeter touch.
- With Clotted Cream – A luxurious twist for a fancy snack.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your Rock Buns turn out perfect every time:
- Use cold butter – This helps create a crumbly, tender texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Just mix until combined to keep the buns light.
- Try different add-ins – Swap dried fruit for chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest.
- Make them extra crunchy – Sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking.
- Store properly – Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make Rock Buns without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute 2 tablespoons of milk or yogurt for the egg.
2. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder.
3. Why are my Rock Buns too dry?
You may have added too much flour or overbaked them. Try reducing the bake time by a few minutes.
4. Can I freeze Rock Buns?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Pop them in a warm oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds.
6. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Dried fruit works best since it doesn’t add excess moisture, but you can try chopped apples or berries.
7. Can I make Rock Buns dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and dairy-free milk for a plant-based version.
8. Why are my Rock Buns too soft?
They may be underbaked—make sure they turn golden brown before removing them.
9. What type of sugar is best?
Regular granulated sugar works well, but you can also use light brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
10. Can I make mini Rock Buns?
Yes! Just reduce the baking time to 12-14 minutes for bite-sized treats.
Conclusion
Rock Buns may have a rugged name, but they are pure homemade comfort—buttery, crumbly, and bursting with sweet flavor. Whether you enjoy them with tea, coffee, or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these classic British treats are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Give them a try, and you’ll see why they’ve stood the test of time!
PrintRock Buns
Rock Buns are traditional British biscuits with a crumbly, rustic texture and a lightly sweet flavor. Made with a blend of dried fruits and warm spices, these simple treats are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. They have a satisfying crunch when fresh and become even more delicious after a day or two, making them an ideal make-ahead snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: About 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rock buns
- Category: Snack / Biscuit
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
## Dry Ingredients:
– 225g (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
– 50g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
## Fat & Fruit:
– 110g (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, diced
– 100g (about 2/3 cup) mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
## Wet Ingredients:
– 1 large egg
– 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add the diced cold butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Stir in the dried fruit until evenly distributed.
5. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of milk. Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Add an extra tablespoon of milk if the dough feels too dry.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a round shape about 2 cm (¾ inch) thick. Using a round cutter (or a glass), cut out rounds or simply shape small mounds with your hands.
7. Place the buns onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them about 2 cm apart. Lightly press the tops to flatten slightly.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the buns are golden and firm to the touch.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the rock buns to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
– The dough will be a bit crumbly; handle it gently to avoid overworking.
– Rock buns are best enjoyed after cooling and can be stored in an airtight container for several days. Their texture improves after a day, making them a great make-ahead snack.
– Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits or spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rock bun
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~150 mg
- Fat: ~7 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: ~25 mg
