English Tea Biscuits
English Tea Biscuits are rich, fruity cookies infused with dried fruits and warm spices, perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease cookie sheets.
- In a saucepan, bring raisins, currants, citron fruit mix, and water to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer gently until all water is absorbed.
- Set aside and cool.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Cream shortening with sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the cooled fruit mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. You can substitute the mixed dried fruits with any combination of your favorites, such as apricots or cranberries. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using applesauce in place of some shortening. This recipe can also be adapted to include spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these English Tea Biscuits warm or at room temperature alongside a cup of your favorite tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They can also be enjoyed with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a complete experience, consider pairing them with a side of fresh fruit or browsing more vegetarian recipes to complement your tea time.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover English Tea Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, helping to restore their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Tea Biscuits contains roughly 163 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits in this recipe?
Fresh fruits contain more moisture than dried fruits, which can affect the texture of the biscuits. If you want to use fresh fruits, be sure to reduce the water in the recipe and adjust baking time as needed. Dried fruits like currants and raisins provide the right balance of sweetness and texture for these biscuits.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough biscuits. Remember that the dough should be soft but hold its shape when dropped onto the cookie sheets.
How can I make these biscuits more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your English Tea Biscuits, consider adding zest from a lemon or orange to the dough. You can also incorporate additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. Experimenting with different flavorings can elevate these biscuits, making them even more delightful with your tea.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).