Rock Buns

Jamaican Rock Buns Recipe with Sugar, Chocolate Chips, Flour, and More

Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Rock buns are a classic British treat that are perfect for a quick and easy snack. These delicious buns are packed with chocolate chips and have a slightly crunchy exterior with a soft and fluffy interior.

History

Rock buns have been a popular treat in Britain for many years. They are believed to have originated during World War II when ingredients were scarce, and bakers had to get creative with what they had on hand. The name "rock buns" comes from their slightly rock-like appearance due to their rough texture.

Ingredients

1.25 cups of sugar
1 cup of chocolate chips
3 cups of flour
1.5 sticks of butter
2 tsp of baking powder
2 large eggs
2 tsp of vanilla
0.5 tsp of nutmeg and 0.5 tsp of cinnamon

How to prepare

Combine the butter and sugar.
Add the beaten eggs and vanilla.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, chocolate chips, and spices.
Roll the mixture into buns.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) until done.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different twist.
Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to prevent tough buns.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts, dried fruit, or different spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Rock buns are best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender texture.

- Be gentle when mixing in the flour to avoid overmixing and tough buns.

- Rolling the mixture into buns ensures even baking and a uniform shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter.

- Gluten-free flour can be used to make rock buns suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

- Plant-based eggs can be used as a substitute for traditional eggs for a vegan-friendly version.

Make Ahead Tips

Rock buns can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve rock buns on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rock buns pair well with a variety of beverages such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover rock buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of rock buns contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rock buns contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rock buns contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of rock buns contains approximately 4g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rock buns are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Rock buns contain dairy (butter and eggs) and gluten (flour). They may also contain nuts if added as an ingredient.

Summary

Rock buns are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Rock buns are a delightful treat that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their crunchy exterior and soft interior, these buns are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village with my family. My mother had been sick for weeks, and I wanted to do something special for her to lift her spirits.

I decided to try my hand at baking, something I had never really done before. I remembered a recipe for Rock Buns that I had seen in an old cookbook, so I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed the dough and shaped the buns, I could feel a sense of excitement building within me.

When the buns came out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had done something special. I presented them to my mother with a smile, and her eyes lit up with joy as she took a bite. The warm, slightly sweet buns were a hit, and my mother declared them the best she had ever tasted.

From that moment on, I was hooked on baking. I would spend hours in the kitchen experimenting with different recipes, learning from my mother and grandmother as I went. I would ask neighbors and friends for their favorite recipes, eager to try new things and expand my culinary skills.

One day, while visiting a friend in a neighboring village, I was introduced to an elderly woman who was known for her amazing baking skills. She graciously invited me into her home and shared with me her recipe for Rock Buns. I watched in awe as she expertly mixed the ingredients, her hands moving with a precision and grace that only comes from years of practice.

As the buns baked in the oven, the aroma filled the room, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe. When the buns were finally ready, I took a bite and was transported back to that moment in my childhood when I first discovered the joy of baking.

The woman smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You have a gift for baking, my dear," she said. "Never stop exploring new recipes and sharing your creations with others."

I left her home that day with a newfound sense of purpose. I knew that baking was not just a hobby for me, but a passion that I wanted to share with the world. And so, armed with my newfound knowledge of Rock Buns, I returned to my village and began selling them at the local market.

Word quickly spread about my delicious buns, and soon I had a loyal following of customers who couldn't get enough of my baked goods. I would spend hours in the kitchen, mixing, shaping, and baking batch after batch of Rock Buns, each one more perfect than the last.

Years passed, and I continued to hone my craft, experimenting with new flavors and techniques to create the perfect bun. But no matter how many variations I tried, the original recipe for Rock Buns remained my favorite, a reminder of that happy memory when I first discovered the joy of baking.

Today, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the sweet smell of freshly baked buns, I can't help but feel grateful for all the people and places that have inspired me on this culinary journey. From my mother and grandmother to the kind woman in the neighboring village, each one has played a part in shaping me into the baker I am today.

And as I take a bite of a warm, fluffy Rock Bun, I am reminded once again of that happy memory from my childhood, when I first discovered the magic of baking. The recipe for Rock Buns may have come from various places and people over the years, but the joy it brings me is all my own.