Description
These classic Rock Buns are delightful, rustic sweet treats packed with mixed dried fruits and delicately spiced with cinnamon. Perfectly crumbly yet slightly soft, they make a charming teatime snack or breakfast addition with a golden, milk-brushed crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients & Add-ins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (such as currants, raisins, or sultanas)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (plus a little extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional ground cinnamon to ensure a light and even mixture.
- Incorporate the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, which helps create a crumbly texture in the buns.
- Add the sugar and dried fruit: Stir the granulated sugar and mixed dried fruit into the buttery flour mixture until evenly distributed, adding sweetness and chewy bursts throughout.
- Make the dough: Beat the egg, milk, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl. Gradually add this liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a rough dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add milk tablespoon by tablespoon to achieve a slightly sticky but workable consistency.
- Shape the buns: Using spoonfuls, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. The dough should be irregular and rustic in appearance, typical of traditional rock buns.
- Brush with milk: Lightly brush the tops of each bun with a little additional milk to help them achieve a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Bake the buns: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm, spicy note that complements the dried fruit beautifully.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some or all of the milk with cream or buttermilk.
- Feel free to customize the dried fruit with your favorites such as chopped dates, cranberries, or chopped apricots.
- These buns freeze well; wrap cooled buns tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Brushing the tops with milk ensures a nicely browned crust. For a shinier top, use beaten egg instead.
