Description
A traditional Newfoundland tea buns recipe featuring soft, sweet buns studded with raisins or currants. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these lightly golden buns pair wonderfully with butter, jam, or cheese and a hot 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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to ensure they are well distributed.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will give the buns a tender, flaky texture.
- Add Raisins or Currants: Stir in the raisins or currants if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dry mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, which will add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Form Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the buns light and tender.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and lightly knead it just until it comes together, helping to develop structure without toughening the buns.
- Shape Buns: Pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out round buns and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. This baking process creates a light, fluffy interior with a slightly crisp exterior.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. They are delightful warm, especially with butter, jam, or cheddar cheese.
Notes
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or a slice of cheddar cheese for a delicious treat.
- These buns freeze well; thaw and warm gently before serving.
- For extra richness and a glossy finish, brush the tops with milk before baking.
