Canadian Tea Biscuits Recipe

Flour: The base of the biscuits, providing structure and texture.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the biscuits.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky texture. It must be cold to work properly.

Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, helping to bind the ingredients together.

When cutting in the butter for this recipe, make sure it is very cold. This helps create those flaky layers that are characteristic of a good biscuit. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures that the butter is evenly distributed and will melt during baking, creating steam pockets that make the biscuits rise and become fluffy.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the biscuits denser.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free flour blend can be used to achieve a similar texture.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.

• baking powder - Substitute with self-rising flour: Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, so you can use it in place of both flour and baking powder.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a milder flavor, so you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.

• cold butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

• cold butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

• milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and can make the biscuits more tender.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good non-dairy alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

• To keep your Canadian tea biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

• If you want to enjoy your biscuits over a longer period, consider freezing them. First, let the biscuits cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation and sogginess.

• Once cooled, place the biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This step ensures they don't stick together.

• After freezing, transfer the biscuits to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen biscuit, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will revive their freshly baked goodness.

• For a quick thaw, you can also microwave individual biscuits on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.

• If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the biscuits in aluminum foil before reheating in the oven. This traps moisture and keeps them tender.

• To add a touch of freshness, brush the tops with a bit of melted butter before reheating. This gives them a lovely golden finish and enhances the flavor.

• Avoid storing biscuits in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to dry out and lose their delightful crumbly texture.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the biscuits in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped biscuits on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the biscuits on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the biscuits directly on the rack or on a small baking tray.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over low heat.
  2. Place the biscuits in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, checking frequently to avoid burning.

• Steam Method:

  1. Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket.
  2. Bring water to a simmer.
  3. Place the biscuits in the steaming basket and cover.
  4. Steam for about 5 minutes or until they are warmed through.

• Oven: Preheat to 450°F (230°C) to bake the biscuits until golden brown.

• Mixing bowl: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix the dough.

• Pastry cutter: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the flour, milk, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measure the baking powder and salt precisely.

• Rolling pin: Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness.

• Biscuit cutter: Cut the dough into biscuit shapes.

• Baking sheet: Place the biscuits on this for baking.

• Flour sifter: Lightly flour the surface for kneading the dough.

• Cooling rack: Allow the biscuits to cool after baking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out flour, baking powder, and salt ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly cut in the cold butter using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.

Chill the butter: Keep the butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using to ensure it stays cold and cuts in more easily.

Batch kneading: Knead the dough in larger batches to save time if making multiple batches of biscuits.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing ingredients to save waiting time.