There’s something undeniably charming about rock buns—those golden, slightly crumbly little treats that bridge the gap between cookies and scones. They have that perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, buttery centers, with just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
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These little gems are a nostalgic favorite, often found in grandma’s kitchen, filling the air with the scent of warm spices and butter. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for when you need a quick baked treat with minimal fuss. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them the ultimate cozy snack.
Why You’ll Love Rock Buns
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or even a quick grab-and-go snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required!
Quick and Easy: No need for kneading or waiting for dough to rise. Just mix, scoop, and bake.
Customizable: Add dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even a hint of spice to make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with kids and adults alike. You might want to bake a double batch!
Ingredients in Rock Buns
Here’s what makes these rock buns so irresistibly good:
Flour: The base that gives them their signature crumbly texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that tender bite.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to make them delightful without being overly sugary.
Baking Powder: Ensures they rise to perfection with a light, fluffy interior.
Eggs: Binds everything together for the perfect dough.
Milk: A touch of moisture for a soft texture.
Spices (optional): A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor beautifully.
Dried Fruits (raisins, currants, or sultanas): A classic addition that brings bursts of natural sweetness.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sugar. If you’re using spices, add them in now.
Rub in the Butter: Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. This step is key to getting that lovely crumbly texture.
Add the Egg and Milk: Beat the egg and mix it with the milk. Pour it into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
Fold in the Dried Fruits: Gently mix in the raisins or currants, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Shape the Buns: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. They don’t need to be perfectly shaped—rock buns are meant to have a rustic look!
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp while the center remains soft.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Rock Buns
With Tea or Coffee: The classic pairing—perfect for a cozy break.
With Butter or Jam: Slice them open and spread with butter or your favorite jam for extra indulgence.
As a Dessert: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding orange zest, vanilla extract, or even chocolate chips for a twist.
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: Freeze baked rock buns in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A1: Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. You can do a 50/50 mix for the best of both worlds.
Q2: Can I make these without eggs?
A2: Yes! Try using a flaxseed or chia seed egg as a substitute.
Q3: What’s the best way to store rock buns?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them.
Q4: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A4: Absolutely! Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a lovely crunch.
Q5: How do I make them extra soft?
A5: A little extra milk or a tablespoon of yogurt can help keep them tender.
Q6: Can I reduce the sugar?
A6: Yes, but it may affect the overall texture. You can also try using honey or a sugar alternative.
Q7: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
A7: No chilling is needed—just mix and bake!
Q8: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
A8: Fresh fruit has more moisture, so it may change the texture. Stick with dried fruit for best results.
Q9: Why are my rock buns too dry?
A9: Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Try reducing the baking time or adding a little extra milk.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure to space the buns well on the baking sheet for even baking.
Final Thoughts
Rock buns are the perfect little treat—easy to make, full of flavor, and totally nostalgic. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack, a cozy breakfast, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, they never disappoint. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the comforting aroma of freshly baked rock buns fill your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love them!
Print
Rock Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 buns 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These classic Rock Buns are lightly sweet, crumbly, and packed with juicy raisins and a hint of orange flavor. Perfect for tea time or as a quick snack, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for quick high-protein meals, recipes for dinner, or simple high-protein meals, these rock buns are a delicious treat you’ll love baking!
Ingredients
- 100g raisins
- 1 egg
- 65g butter or margarine
- 70g sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 250g self-raising flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, orange extract, and milk, mixing well.
- Stir in self-raising flour and raisins, combining until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small rough balls and place them on a baking tray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Swap raisins for chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg