Classic Canadian Tea Biscuits

Name: Classic Canadian Tea Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 biscuits
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed); 3/4 cup milk (cold)

40 min 12 biscuits Easy

All Recipes

Fluffy and buttery, these Canadian Tea Biscuits are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm with butter or jam for a delightful treat.

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Canadian Tea Biscuits are a nostalgic favourite, known for their light and fluffy texture. These biscuits are a staple in many Canadian households, often enjoyed during tea time or as a comforting breakfast treat. The key to perfect biscuits lies in the right combination of cold ingredients and a gentle touch. This recipe stands out because it emphasizes the use of cold butter and minimal handling, ensuring the biscuits rise beautifully and have a tender crumb. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you every step of the way.

Instructions

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cut in butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pro tip: Work quickly to keep the butter from warming.

Add milk

Pour in the cold milk and stir gently with a fork until the dough just comes together.

Pro tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.

Shape the dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently 3-4 times. Pat into a 1-inch thick round.

Cut biscuits

Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Pro tip: Dip the cutter in flour to prevent sticking.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.

Pro tip: Biscuits should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and serve

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips & Tricks

Ensure your butter is cold for the flakiest biscuits.
Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough biscuits.
Use a sharp cutter to prevent sealing the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Canadian tea biscuits different?

Canadian tea biscuits are known for their fluffy, light texture and buttery flavour, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

How many calories are in a Canadian tea biscuit?

One Canadian tea biscuit contains approximately 120 calories.

Can I freeze Canadian tea biscuits?

Yes, you can freeze both the dough and baked biscuits. Freeze dough unbaked and bake from frozen, or freeze baked biscuits and reheat.

Why is cold butter important in biscuit making?

Cold butter creates steam pockets as it bakes, resulting in flaky, layered biscuits.

How do I prevent my biscuits from being tough?

Avoid overmixing the dough and handle it gently to keep the biscuits tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful Canadian Tea Biscuits fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or your favourite jam. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. To make ahead, prepare the dough, cut out the biscuits, and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Store leftover baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month.