Heavenly Crumbly Rock Buns Recipe: A Sweet British Classic

Delightful rock buns capture the essence of classic British teatime treats with their crumbly, rustic charm.

Bakers love these simple pastries for their unpretentious nature and satisfying texture.

Quick to prepare, they remind me of cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen.

Nuts and dried fruits add delightful bursts of flavor to each bite-sized morsel.

Crisp exterior and tender interior make these little bakes a perfect companion for afternoon tea.

Small enough to enjoy without guilt, yet packed with comforting goodness.

Whip up a batch and let the aroma transport you to a quaint English cottage.

FAQs

• Are rock buns traditionally from a specific country?

Rock buns originated in the United Kingdom, particularly popular in England as a classic teatime treat during the mid-20th century.

• What are the key characteristics of rock buns?

Rock buns have a rough, uneven surface that looks like rocky terrain, with a crumbly texture and a mix of sweet dried fruits throughout the dough.

• Can I substitute the dried fruits in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any combination of dried fruits like raisins, currants, candied peel, or chopped dried apricots based on your preference.

The name comes from their bumpy, uneven appearance that resembles small rocky formations, created by the way the dough is roughly shaped during preparation.

What Makes Rock Buns So Irresistible

• Boost Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for beginners wanting to improve their pastry-making techniques with simple steps and minimal equipment.
• Quick Family Treat: Delivers delightful homemade baked goods that children and adults will love, making it an ideal snack for weekend gatherings or afternoon tea.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Customize with different dried fruits like raisins, currants, or cranberries, allowing creative variations to suit personal taste preferences.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Uses basic kitchen staples, eliminating the need for special shopping trips and making it a convenient go-to recipe when craving something sweet.

Key Ingredients That Bring Rock Buns Alive

• Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the rock buns.
• Baking Powder: Helps the rock buns rise and become light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the buns.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Provide warm, aromatic spices that give depth to the rock buns.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
• Milk: Helps create a soft, moist texture in the rock buns.

• Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and creates a tender, flaky texture.
• Dried Fruit: Provides bursts of sweetness and chewy texture throughout the buns.

Step Into Making Perfect Rock Buns Today

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Work in the Butter

Drop in cold butter pieces.

Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry mixture. Keep working until the texture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Add Dried Fruit

Toss in your chosen dried fruits and stir gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Create the Dough

In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg with milk.

Pour this liquid mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir carefully until a soft dough forms.

If the dough seems too dry, splash in a bit more milk.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Dust a clean surface with flour.

Gently pat the dough into a round shape about 3/4 inch thick. You can use a round cutter or simply shape small mounds with your hands.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Tray

Place the shaped buns onto the prepared tray. Keep them spaced about an inch apart.

Softly press the tops to flatten them slightly.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the buns turn a beautiful golden color and feel firm when touched.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Pull the baking tray out of the oven.

Transfer the rock buns to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Serve and savor your homemade treats!

Tips to Nail Rock Buns Every Time

• Toss dried fruits in a bit of flour before adding to prevent sinking to the bottom of the buns.
• Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly when rubbing into dry ingredients to ensure flaky, crumbly rock buns.
• Swap dried fruits based on preference – try raisins, currants, chopped apricots, or mixed berries for varied flavor profiles.
• Add milk gradually to achieve perfect dough consistency, preventing rock buns from becoming too wet or dry.
• Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon for uniform-sized buns, ensuring even baking and consistent texture.

Creative Twists to Try with Rock Buns

• Gluten-Free Rock Buns: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Chocolate Chip Variation: Swap dried fruit with chocolate chips and add a touch of vanilla extract for a sweeter treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated and brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra texture and protein boost.

Great Foods to Enjoy Alongside Rock Buns

Create a cozy flavor harmony by serving rock buns alongside a fragrant chai tea that echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the baked treat.

Spread rich, velvety clotted cream on warm rock buns to add a luxurious, smooth texture that balances the crumbly, fruity pastry.

Dollop tangy orange marmalade on rock buns to introduce a bright, zesty contrast that enhances the sweet dried fruit and warm spices.

Enjoy a creamy vanilla latte that provides a smooth, sweet backdrop to the rustic, textured rock buns, creating a delightful morning or afternoon snack combination.

How to Keep Your Rock Buns Fresh Longer

• Store rock buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual rock buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep rock buns at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Consume quickly to enjoy optimal taste and texture.
• Warm rock buns in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and bring back their delightful warmth.

Rock Buns Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade rock buns elevate British tea-time treats with crumbly, sweet charm. Crisp exterior and tender interior promise delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 225 grams (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Baking Ingredients:

• 110 grams (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter
• 100 grams (about 2/3 cup) mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for optimal baking conditions.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, baking powder, sugars, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using fingertips or a pastry cutter, working until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with a sandy consistency.
4. Fold in dried fruit thoroughly, ensuring an equal spread throughout the mixture.
5. Whisk egg with milk in a separate container, then gently integrate the liquid into the dry ingredients, creating a soft, cohesive dough. Adjust moisture with an extra milk splash if needed.
6. Transfer dough to a floured surface and shape into a round approximately 2 cm thick. Create individual buns by either cutting rounds or forming rustic mounds with hands.
7. Arrange buns on the prepared tray, leaving slight spacing between each piece. Gently flatten the tops to promote even baking.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and the surface feels firm when touched.
9. Transfer rock buns to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to develop their signature crisp exterior and tender interior.

Notes

• Swap dried fruits like raisins or currants with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or seeds for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Keep butter extremely cold to ensure a crumbly, flaky texture that’s essential for authentic rock buns.
• Mix ingredients minimally to prevent tough buns; gentle mixing maintains a light, delicate crumb structure.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 154 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 134 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg