Few things are as comforting as warm, homemade biscuits fresh from the oven.
These Vanilla Tea Biscuits are soft, lightly sweet, and delightfully fragrant with vanilla.
They’re quick to prepare, require simple ingredients, and are finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar—making them just as fitting for afternoon tea as they are for everyday snacking.
Why I Love This Recipe
Soft and fluffy texture – Thanks to cold butter and gentle kneading.
Subtle sweetness – Perfect with jam or enjoyed on their own.
Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Elegant finish – The powdered sugar gives it a charming touch.
Versatile and shareable – Great for brunch, tea, or gifting.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
All-purpose flour – The base of the dough and its structure.
Granulated sugar – Adds light sweetness without overpowering.
Baking powder – The leavening agent that gives the biscuits rise.
Cold unsalted butter – Key for flakiness and rich flavor.
Egg + whole milk – Add moisture and help bind the dough.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma.
Powdered sugar – Optional for a delicate, sweet finish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use cold butter – It creates steam while baking, producing a fluffy texture.
Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the dough tender.
Work on a floured surface – Prevents sticking but don’t over-flour.
Cut straight down – Avoid twisting the cutter for an even rise.
Cool before dusting – Powdered sugar melts on warm biscuits.
How to Make Vanilla Tea Biscuits
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add Butter
Cut in the cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Bring Dough Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently stir until a soft dough begins to form.
Step 5: Knead and Roll
Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
Knead just a few times, then roll it out to about ½ inch thick.
Step 6: Cut Biscuits
Use a round cutter to cut out biscuits.
Re-roll the scraps to use up all the dough.
Step 7: Bake
Place biscuits on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until the tops are set and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Let the biscuits cool completely on a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
What to Serve It With
Hot tea or coffee
Strawberry jam, lemon curd, or honey
Whipped butter or clotted cream
Fresh berries on the side
A light fruit salad for brunch
Variations / Substitutions
Add lemon or orange zest for brightness
Use almond extract instead of vanilla
Fold in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries
Substitute buttermilk for a tangy flavor
Cut into seasonal shapes for holidays
Storage & Leftovers
Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator – Keeps for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezer – Freeze unbaked biscuits; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating – Warm in a toaster oven or regular oven.
Best fresh – But still tasty the next day with a spread.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavor.
Can I use a different extract?
Absolutely. Almond, lemon, or orange extract all work well.
I don’t have a biscuit cutter—what can I use?
Use a drinking glass or simply cut squares with a knife.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the shaped dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
I want the biscuits sweeter—any tips?
Add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar or drizzle with glaze after baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Why is cold butter important?
It helps create steam pockets while baking, making the biscuits light and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
These Vanilla Tea Biscuits are the perfect mix of simple and special—easy enough for everyday, elegant enough for hosting.
They pair well with almost anything and deliver soft, tender bites with a warm hint of vanilla in every piece.
Vanilla Tea Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir gently to form a dough.
- Knead briefly and roll out on a floured surface.
- Cut out biscuits and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/vanilla-tea-biscuits/
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; slice and bake when ready.
- Flavor Variations: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest or ¼ tsp ground cardamom into the dough for a bright twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; you may need an extra tablespoon of milk.
