If you’re a fan of the Great British Bake Off, you know that biscuits are a classic challenge that showcases precision, technique, and creativity. Whether you’re aiming for buttery, crumbly shortbread or crisp, perfectly shaped tea biscuits, this recipe will help you create delicious treats that would impress even the judges on the show.
Baking biscuits from scratch may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and clear instructions, you can master this art in your own kitchen.
This biscuit recipe not only captures the essence of traditional British baking but also offers tips to elevate your baking game. These biscuits are perfect for afternoon tea, snacks, or even as a base for more elaborate desserts.
Get ready to enjoy crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that are as delightful to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This biscuit recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and elegance, inspired by the techniques seen on Great British Bake Off. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers a rich, buttery flavor and a perfect texture that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.
You’ll appreciate how versatile these biscuits are—they can be enjoyed plain, with a dusting of sugar, or used as a base for jams and creams. Plus, the recipe includes detailed tips to help you avoid common baking pitfalls like over-working the dough or under-baking, which are crucial for achieving that professional finish.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one looking for a reliable biscuit recipe, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to bake biscuits that taste like they came straight from the Bake Off tent!
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 110g caster sugar
- 280g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tbsp milk (optional, for softer dough)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Baking tray lined with parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (round or your preferred shapes)
- Cooling rack
- Measuring scales and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, helping the biscuits to be light and crisp.
- Sift the plain flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. If the dough feels too dry, add the milk tablespoon by tablespoon until it comes together.
- Add vanilla extract if using, and mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing as this can toughen the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 5mm thickness with your rolling pin.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired biscuit shapes. Place them with a little space apart on the baking tray.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye as over-baking will make the biscuits hard.
- Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For perfectly crisp biscuits, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the fat solidify, preventing the biscuits from spreading too much during baking.
Variation: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or mixed spice to the dry ingredients for a warm, festive flavor. Alternatively, fold in 50g of finely chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
Tip: To create sandwich biscuits, spread a thin layer of jam, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache between two cooled biscuits.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Biscuit (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of accompaniments.
- Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a classic British afternoon treat.
- Use them as a base for biscuit trifles or layered desserts with cream and fresh fruits.
- Sandwich two biscuits together with your favorite jam, lemon curd, or chocolate spread for a delightful snack.
- For a festive touch, dip half the biscuit in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles.
Conclusion
This biscuit recipe inspired by the Great British Bake Off offers a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance, making it a must-try for any home baker. With quality ingredients, careful technique, and a little patience, you can create biscuits that are crisp, buttery, and utterly delicious.
Whether you enjoy them plain, with a touch of jam, or as part of a more elaborate dessert, these biscuits are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to experiment with flavors and shapes, making it ideal for any occasion—from cozy teatime to festive celebrations.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other delicious and easy recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy, and Best Vegan Cheese Scone Recipe for Fluffy, Tasty Bakes.
📖 Recipe Card: Biscuit Recipe Great British Bake Off
Description: A classic biscuit recipe inspired by the Great British Bake Off, perfect for teatime. These buttery biscuits are crisp and lightly sweetened.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT32M
Servings: 24 biscuits
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 110g caster sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 275g plain flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 50g cornflour
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and cornflour, then fold into the mixture.
- Add milk to bring dough together.
- Roll dough to 5mm thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Place biscuits on baking tray lined with parchment.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal per biscuit | Protein: 1.2 g | Fat: 6.5 g | Carbs: 12 g
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