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
Scale
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.
