Soft, pillowy, and irresistibly comforting, these 5-Ingredient Traditional Scottish Baps are a timeless treat. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create golden, slightly crusty rolls with a tender, airy crumb.
The subtle sweetness and buttery aroma make them perfect for breakfast sandwiches or afternoon tea. In just over two hours, including a leisurely rise, you’ll have a batch of warm, homemade baps that fill your kitchen with the scent of freshly baked bread.
These baps are wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with savory fillings or enjoyed plain with a smear of butter. Their soft texture and delicate flavor make them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. In just 20 minutes of baking, you’ll have a batch of golden, fluffy baps that are as satisfying to make as they are to eat.
Simple Ingredients for Traditional Scottish Baps
- 3 cups (15 oz/426 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1¾ teaspoons salt
- ⅔ cup (5 fl oz/150 ml) whole milk, lukewarm (can substitute with plant-based milk)
- ⅔ cup (5 fl oz/150 ml) water, lukewarm
- Milk, for brushing (optional: use an egg wash for a richer finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Baps
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or in a large bowl if mixing by hand), combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the lukewarm milk and water. Mix on medium-low speed for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth. (If kneading by hand, knead for 15 minutes.)
- Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball on an un-floured work surface.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30–45 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Just before baking, brush the rolls with milk and lightly dust with flour.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the baps are golden brown.
- Let the baps cool before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 6 weeks.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Scottish Baps
Scottish baps are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings. For a traditional breakfast, slice them open and fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, or smoked salmon. For a sweet treat, spread with butter and jam or honey. They also make a great base for sandwiches—try filling them with ham, cheese, and mustard for a hearty lunch.
Keep Them Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your baps fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 6 weeks. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or pop them in the toaster for a quick refresh.
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape the baps, and proceed with the second rise. This method also enhances the flavor of the dough!
Equipment Essentials: What You’ll Need
While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can absolutely make these baps by hand—just be prepared for a bit of arm workout! A large baking sheet lined with parchment paper is essential for even baking, and a pastry brush will help you evenly coat the baps with milk before baking.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant? Yes, but you’ll need to activate it first by dissolving it in the lukewarm milk and water for 5-10 minutes. Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor—just adjust the liquid as needed.
5-Ingredient Traditional Scottish Baps Recipe
Equipment
- stand mixer with dough hook
- large bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1¾ teaspoons salt
- ⅔ cup whole milk lukewarm
- ⅔ cup water lukewarm
For Brushing
- milk for brushing
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or in a large bowl if mixing by hand), combine the flour, yeast and salt on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the milk and water and mix on medium-low speed for 10 minutes, until you have a smooth dough. (If kneading by hand, knead for 15 minutes.)
- Transfer to a large, oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball on an un-floured work surface.
- Spread out on the baking sheet, cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30 – 45 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Just before baking, brush the rolls with some milk and lightly dust with flour.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve once cooled. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to 6 weeks.
