Are you craving a comforting cup of tea accompanied by the perfect biscuit? Look no further! This recipe for rich tea biscuits will guide you through making these classic treats from scratch. These simple, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for homemade cooking, and a delightful addition to any afternoon tea or a quick snack. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for you. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 50g caster sugar
- 200g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tbsp milk (or water)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Line a baking tray with baking paper. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature – this will make creaming it with the sugar much easier. Having all your ingredients measured out beforehand will make the baking process smoother and quicker.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step to save time and effort, but a good old-fashioned wooden spoon works just as well! The key is to incorporate plenty of air for a lighter biscuit.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures that the mixture is light and airy, preventing any lumps in your biscuits.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits.
Step 5: Add Milk (or Water)
Add the milk (or water), one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. The dough should be slightly soft but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more milk. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 5mm thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (approximately 5cm in diameter) or a knife to cut out the biscuits. Reroll any leftover dough to minimize waste.
Step 7: Bake the Biscuits
Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the tray from the oven and let the biscuits cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your homemade rich tea biscuits with a cup of tea or your favorite beverage!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavour: Use brown sugar instead of caster sugar.
- Add some spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, inviting flavour.
- Make them sweeter: Increase the sugar to 75g for sweeter biscuits.
- Get creative with shapes: Use different cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- Store properly: Store your biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit – approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 50-60
- Fat: Approximately 3-4g
- Sugar: Approximately 2-3g
This recipe provides easy, healthy meals perfect for a quick dinner or a simple afternoon snack. It’s a great way to enjoy homemade cooking and create delicious dishes easily. These rich tea biscuits are a true classic, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!