Butter Biscuits Recipe
Homemade butter biscuits are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with an irresistible taste. These biscuits, with their golden, crispy edges and soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, are the perfect addition to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, the buttery flavor and delicate sweetness make these biscuits a favorite in many households.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process and the rich, satisfying results. With just a handful of ingredients and a few kitchen tools, you can create biscuits that are both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients and Equipment
To achieve the best results with this recipe, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is the butter, which should be soft enough to blend easily but not so warm that it loses its structure. Alongside the butter, you’ll need plain flour, baking powder, caster sugar, vanilla extract, an egg at room temperature, milk, and a little pure icing sugar for dusting the finished biscuits. These ingredients come together to create a dough that is easy to work with and bakes into perfection.
In terms of equipment, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools: a couple of mixing bowls, an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar, baking trays lined with parchment paper, and a fork to flatten the dough balls. A wire rack is essential for cooling the biscuits after baking, ensuring they don’t become soggy from steam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these butter biscuits is a process that is as enjoyable as it is simple. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C and preparing your baking trays with parchment paper. This step ensures your biscuits bake evenly and release easily from the tray once they’re done.
Next, in a small mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, caster sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture should become light and fluffy, a crucial step for achieving a tender crumb in your biscuits. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough remains smooth and cohesive.
Sift the plain flour and baking powder over the butter mixture, then pour in the milk. This is where the dough comes together. Gently fold the ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Overworking the dough can result in tough biscuits, so mix just until the flour is absorbed.
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape the biscuits. Take small portions of the dough, about 2 teaspoons each, and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange these on your prepared baking trays, leaving enough space for spreading. To give the biscuits their signature look, lightly flour a fork and press down on each ball, flattening them slightly.
Bake the biscuits in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through, rotate the trays to ensure even baking. The biscuits should turn a light golden color, indicating they’re done. Allow them to rest on the trays for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Finish by dusting with pure icing sugar, giving them a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture:
- To achieve a perfect, tender biscuit, be careful not to overmix the dough. Incorporate the flour gently until just combined.
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted to create a smooth and creamy mixture, leading to a soft, airy biscuit.
- Substitutions and Variations:
- If you prefer, you can substitute caster sugar with brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
- Add a hint of lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a subtle twist on the classic flavor.
- How to Store Butter Biscuits:
- Store your biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, maintaining their delightful texture.
- Can I Freeze the Dough?
- Yes, the dough can be frozen for later use. Simply roll it into balls, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-lock bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen balls on a baking tray and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Why Are My Biscuits Too Hard?
- Hard biscuits are often the result of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and check your biscuits a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Butter biscuits are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. They are the perfect companion to a hot cup of tea or coffee, enhancing the warmth and richness of each sip. For a more indulgent pairing, enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a frothy cappuccino.
In addition to beverages, these biscuits can be served alongside other desserts to create a delightful platter. Consider pairing them with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Their light, buttery flavor complements a range of dishes, making them a versatile choice for any dessert table.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
When it comes to presenting your butter biscuits, a little creativity can go a long way. For a tea party or special occasion, arrange the biscuits on a decorative platter, perhaps with a dusting of icing sugar for an elegant touch. You can also package them in a beautiful tin or jar to give as a homemade gift, complete with a ribbon and a personalized tag.
For an extra flavor boost, consider dipping one side of each biscuit in melted chocolate or drizzling the tops with a glaze made from icing sugar and milk. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can also add a festive touch, perfect for holiday gatherings.
There’s something truly special about homemade butter biscuits, from their delightful flavor to the simple joy of baking them. Whether you’re making these for yourself, sharing them with friends, or gifting them to loved ones, these biscuits are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, take a moment to enjoy them fresh out of the oven, and savor the comforting taste of a classic treat that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 125g butter, softened
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp pure icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C. Prepare two baking trays by lining them with baking paper.
In a small mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix until fully incorporated. Sift the flour and baking powder into the butter mixture, then pour in the milk. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
Take small portions of the dough, approximately 2 teaspoons each, and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking trays, leaving enough space between them for spreading during baking. Lightly flour a fork and gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten the biscuits.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the trays after the first 10 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a light golden color. Once baked, allow the biscuits to rest on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Finish by dusting the cooled biscuits with icing sugar, and they are ready to be served.
Butter Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 125 g butter softened
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp pure icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C. Prepare two baking trays by lining them with baking paper.
- In a small mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix until fully incorporated. Sift the flour and baking powder into the butter mixture, then pour in the milk. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Take small portions of the dough, approximately 2 teaspoons each, and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking trays, leaving enough space between them for spreading during baking. Lightly flour a fork and gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten the biscuits.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the trays after the first 10 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a light golden color. Once baked, allow the biscuits to rest on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Finish by dusting the cooled biscuits with icing sugar, and they are ready to be served.