If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and crowd-pleasing, Custard Biscuits are the answer to your dessert dreams. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and with just a hint of vanilla and golden richness from classic custard powder, these biscuits come together in under half an hour and are beloved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re after a teatime companion or a cheerful bite with your morning coffee, Custard Biscuits never fail to add a touch of simple joy to any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Custard Biscuits is truly in their simplicity—each ingredient serves its purpose, yielding a biscuit that’s tender, flavorful, and softly golden. Take a closer look at how every component works its magic to give you that signature taste and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Ensures a rich, creamy base for a tender crumb and a beautiful, buttery aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into the dough, lending gentle sweetness and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a comforting warmth and elevates the flavor profile from simple to special.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, balancing the buttery richness and allowing the biscuits to hold their pretty shape.
- Custard powder: The star of the show—this gives the biscuits their iconic golden color and hint of vanilla custard flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and stops the sweetness from overwhelming the palate.
How to Make Custard Biscuits
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step ensures your Custard Biscuits won’t stick and that their undersides stay beautifully pale and delicate—not to mention, it makes cleanup a total breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy cloud. Don’t rush—this step is crucial for building that irresistible, melt-in-the-mouth texture Custard Biscuits are known for.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, mix in the vanilla extract. This isn’t just about aroma; a good vanilla boosts the warmth and nostalgic flavor that make these biscuits stand out from ordinary butter cookies.
Step 4: Sift in Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour, custard powder, and pinch of salt directly into your creamed mixture. Sifting not only gets rid of lumps but also aerates the dough, making your Custard Biscuits even lighter and more tender.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Mix the ingredients together gently until a soft dough forms. It should come together easily and feel supple but not sticky. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the dough for a few minutes to make shaping easier—but it’s usually ready to go!
Step 6: Shape and Pattern
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms into balls. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space for a little gentle spreading. Use the back of a fork to press each ball lightly—creating that signature ridged pattern and a classic Custard Biscuits look.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just barely turning golden. Don’t overbake; the magic is in their delicate crumb. Once baked, let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This keeps them from breaking while they’re still warm and tender!
How to Serve Custard Biscuits
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar over your cooled Custard Biscuits adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. For a twist, you can drizzle a ribbon of melted chocolate or sandwich two biscuits together with raspberry jam or vanilla buttercream. These little additions make your biscuits look bakery-worthy with very little effort.
Side Dishes
Custard Biscuits are a dreamy companion to an afternoon cup of tea or coffee, but they also play nicely on a dessert platter next to fresh berries, a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or even a simple fruit compote. Their mellow flavor makes them a versatile sweet treat fit for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, arrange your Custard Biscuits in a vintage tin or wrap them up in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon—perfect for gifting. Layer them on a tiered cake stand for a high-tea effect, or use colorful cupcake liners to give each biscuit its own “nest.” However you display them, their cheerful golden hue and ridged pattern are sure to draw oohs and ahhs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Custard Biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their signature crisp-tender texture and delicate flavor for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Freezing
Custard Biscuits freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. You can freeze them for up to three months; just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a batch of homemade comfort.
Reheating
While there’s no need to reheat these biscuits, if you’d like to refresh their just-baked feel, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3–4 minutes. This perks up their texture and brings back that irresistible buttery aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can, but reduce or omit the added pinch of salt in the recipe. Salted butter will still give you tasty Custard Biscuits, but the overall saltiness might be a tad more pronounced.
What type Dessert
Traditional Bird’s custard powder is the go-to and gives that iconic color and flavor, but any classic vanilla-flavored custard powder should work nicely for authentic Custard Biscuits.
Why do my Custard Biscuits spread too much during baking?
If your biscuits spread a lot, the dough might be too warm. Try popping the shaped dough balls in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape. Also, be sure to measure the ingredients accurately—too little flour or too much butter can cause spreading.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep an eye on the texture, as some blends absorb more liquid than others, but you’ll still get delicious gluten-free Custard Biscuits.
Are Custard Biscuits suitable for vegans?
Traditional Custard Biscuits are made with butter, but you can easily adapt the recipe by using a good quality vegan butter and a dairy-free custard powder—the results will still be crumbly, rich, and packed with that classic flavor!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Custard Biscuits—the way they fill the kitchen with a comforting scent and how the first bite simply melts on your tongue. Give this recipe a try and experience for yourself just how easy and rewarding homemade biscuits can be. Your next cup of tea—or heartfelt gift—just got a whole lot sweeter!
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Custard Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscuits
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully rich and buttery, these Custard Biscuits are a perfect accompaniment to your tea or coffee. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of custard flavor, these biscuits are a delightful treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup custard powder (such as Bird’s)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, custard powder, and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, place on the baking sheet, and press gently with a fork. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the biscuits to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These biscuits can be sandwiched with buttercream or jam for an extra treat.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
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