If you have a soft spot for tender, slightly sweet baked treats that feel like a warm hug in every bite, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Tea Buns Recipe. These traditional Newfoundland-style tea buns are delightfully light, bursting with raisins or currants, and perfectly golden on top, making them an irresistible partner for your afternoon tea or a cozy breakfast. The magic lies in their simplicity — made from humble ingredients but with a texture and flavor that’s utterly comforting and nostalgic, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Tea Buns Recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a vital role in creating those fluffy, flavorful buns you’ll adore. From the richness of butter to the touch of vanilla, every element combines to give these buns their signature soft crumb and delightful sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation for a tender and sturdy bun structure.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): This gives the buns their lovely rise and fluffiness without any yeast fuss.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A small but essential addition that balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds just the right level of sweetness to keep the buns scrumptious without overpowering.
- Cold butter, cubed (½ cup): Key for a tender, flaky texture that melts beautifully during baking.
- Raisins or currants (1 cup, optional): These bursts of fruity sweetness elevate the buns with chewiness and a natural contrast.
- Milk (1 cup): Hydrates the dough and contributes to the soft crumb inside.
- One large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle aromatic sweetness that makes these buns downright irresistible.
How to Make Tea Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for the buns to bake perfectly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this simple step makes cleanup a breeze and prevents any sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is crucial as it ensures even distribution of rising agents and seasoning throughout your dough.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique prevents the butter from fully blending in and instead creates little pockets that contribute to the tender, flaky texture once baked.
Step 4: Stir in the Raisins or Currants
If you’re including raisins or currants, now is the time to gently stir them into your buttery mixture. These gems add delightful bursts of sweetness and chewy texture that make these tea buns truly special.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix — overworking the dough can lead to tough buns instead of soft and tender ones.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Buns
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it out to about ¾ inch thickness — no need to knead harshly. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut rounds from the dough. This is part of the fun, and seeing those perfect circles come to life is incredibly satisfying.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the dough rounds on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are just lightly golden — that golden hue signals they’re ready to come out for a perfect warm bite.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Allow your freshly baked tea buns to cool for a few minutes. While still warm, they’re at their prime — slathered with butter or your favorite jam. Trust me, that first warm bite is pure comfort.
How to Serve Tea Buns Recipe
Garnishes
These tea buns are wonderfully versatile when it comes to toppings. A pat of creamy butter melting on a warm bun is classic and unbeatable. For a sweeter touch, try spreading some homemade jam, honey, or even cream cheese. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty finish for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Tea buns pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Serve alongside fresh seasonal fruit, yogurt, or a simple cheese plate to round out your tea time experience with a harmony of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gathering, arrange tea buns on a tiered cake stand to create a lovely display. You can also slice them and layer with clotted cream and jam for a quick twist on traditional cream tea. Add edible flowers on the side to turn your serving into an elegant centerpiece everyone will admire before taking a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover tea buns, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious, perfect for grabbing a snack or breakfast the next day without losing their charm.
Freezing
To keep your tea buns fresh for longer, freeze them by wrapping each bun individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat your buns in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps revive their softness and brings back that just-baked aroma. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture a bit rubbery.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap raisins or currants with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or even dried cherries for a different fruity twist. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture to the tea buns.
Is it possible to make these buns without dairy?
Yes, you can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Just opt for an unsweetened variety to keep the sweetness balanced. Butter can also be replaced with plant-based margarine for a vegan-friendly version.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in tough, dense buns rather than soft and tender ones. Stir just until ingredients come together for the perfect texture.
Can I add spices to the Tea Buns Recipe?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice enhances the warm flavor profile beautifully. Just remember to keep it subtle so it doesn’t overpower the delicate vanilla and fruit notes.
How do I know when the tea buns are done baking?
Look for buns that are lightly golden on top and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your buns are perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
This Tea Buns Recipe is one of those charming, comforting treats that feels like a little celebration every time you bake it. Whether for breakfast, tea time, or a simple snack, these buns bring warmth and a touch of home to your day. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Tea Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian, Traditional
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional Newfoundland-style Tea Buns recipe offers soft, lightly sweetened buns studded with raisins or currants, perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. These tea buns are similar to scones, featuring a tender crumb and a delicate vanilla flavor, best enjoyed warm with butter or jam.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins or currants (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the buns.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar to evenly distribute the leavening and flavor.
- Cut in the butter: Incorporate the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a tender and flaky texture.
- Add raisins or currants: Stir in the raisins or currants if using to add bursts of sweetness and texture.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until blended, providing moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it to about ¾-inch thickness to prepare for cutting.
- Cut rounds: Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut the dough into rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly.
- Bake the buns: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with butter or jam for a comforting treat.
Notes
- The tea buns are similar to scones with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor.
- You can substitute raisins with berries or other chopped dried fruits, or leave the buns plain.
- For extra sweetness and a decorative finish, brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
