Watkins Tea Biscuits

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A classic tea biscuit with a buttery, sweet crumb that pairs perfectly with afternoon tea or a quick snack.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Beat butter and sugar together until creamy.
  2. Add the beaten egg, a pinch of salt, and milk; then sift in the flour and baking powder, mixing until a light dough forms.
  3. If the dough feels too soft, add a little more flour until it holds together.
  4. Roll the dough out on a well‑floured surface and cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter.
  5. Place the cut biscuits close together in a shallow pan, leaving a small space between each.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with the sugar. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract. For a twist, you can substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a nuttier taste. If you don't have milk, almond milk works as a great alternative.

Serving Suggestions

These tea biscuits are delightful on their own or served with clotted cream and jam for a classic afternoon tea experience. They pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside savory dishes like White Sauce For Cauliflower.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tea biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Watkins Tea Biscuits contains roughly 1473 calories, with 7g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 742mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

1473 kcal 74% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 127.2g 100% DV
Carbs 77.4g 28% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 13.8g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 742.5mg 32% DV
Potassium 434.7mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 516.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 94.2mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 9.4mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 527.6mg 41% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To lighten it, you might mix half whole wheat with half all-purpose flour. This will give you a healthier option while maintaining some of the original biscuit texture.

What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?

You can incorporate a variety of add-ins to the dough, such as lemon zest for brightness or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor, making these biscuits versatile for any occasion.

How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?

The biscuits are done when they turn a light golden brown on the top. You can also gently press the center; if it springs back, they're ready. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven and the thickness of the biscuits.

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).

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