Description
This traditional Newfoundland Tea Buns recipe features tender, slightly sweet buns studded with plump raisins or currants. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these buttery buns are easy to make and pair wonderfully with butter, jam, or cheddar cheese alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup raisins or currants (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This combines the leavening agents with the flour and evenly distributes the salt and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step creates a flaky texture in the buns.
- Add Raisins or Currants: Stir in the raisins or currants if you are using them, distributing the fruit evenly throughout the crumbly mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk and vanilla extract to create the wet mixture that will bring the dough together.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the buns tender.
- Knead Lightly: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead very lightly just until it comes together, ensuring it doesn’t become tough.
- Shape the Buns: Pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass to shape the buns.
- Bake: Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the buns cool slightly before serving warm with butter, jam, or cheddar cheese.
Notes
- Serve the buns warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee, making them ideal for breakfast or a snack.
- These buns freeze well; reheat them gently before serving.
- For extra richness and a shinier crust, brush the tops with a little milk before baking.
