Irish Tea Biscuits
Irish Tea Biscuits are hearty, slightly sweet biscuits infused with raisins and optional caraway seed, perfect for breakfast or teatime with a warm beverage or butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the first five ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Add raisins, caraway seed, and grated lemon or orange rind if using.
- Stir in the beaten egg and buttermilk just to moisten the mixture.
- Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead 8 to 10 times.
- Roll out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or inverted glass to cut out biscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. If you don’t have caraway seeds, try using fennel seeds for a different twist. To ensure the biscuits rise well, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. For a sweeter biscuit, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup. This recipe also works well with dried cranberries instead of raisins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these biscuits warm with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast or afternoon tea treat. They pair beautifully with Lyonnaise Potatoes for a hearty meal or as a side to a light salad. For a unique dessert, enjoy them with a cup of tea alongside Crisp Chocolate-Raisin Bars for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Irish Tea Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Tea Biscuits contains roughly 344 calories, with 14g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 635mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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 substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will create a similar acidity that helps with the biscuit's texture.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and cutting the biscuits. Baked biscuits can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
What can I serve with Irish Tea Biscuits?
These biscuits are versatile. They are perfect with clotted cream and fruit preserves for a traditional touch. You can also pair them with a light salad or serve them alongside soup for a comforting meal.
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).