Nothing quite beats the cozy comfort of warm, freshly baked tea buns straight from the oven. This Tea Buns Recipe captures the essence of traditional Newfoundland baking with a simple yet satisfying medley of buttery, tender dough dotted with sweet raisins or currants. Whether you’re brewing your afternoon tea or looking for the perfect weekend breakfast treat, these tea buns have a delightful crumb and just the right hint of sweetness that make them irresistibly inviting. Get ready to fill your kitchen with an aroma that feels like a hug in bread form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tea Buns Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the flakiness of cold butter creating tender layers to the burst of sweetness from the raisins or currants that brighten every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The perfect base creating structure and a soft crumb.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures your buns rise beautifully and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed): Key for that flaky, tender texture when cut into the dough.
- ¾ cup milk: Brings moisture and helps bind the ingredients smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a gentle, comforting aroma and flavor.
- ½ cup raisins or currants (optional): For little bursts of fruity sweetness throughout.
- 1 egg (lightly beaten, for egg wash): Creates a golden, shiny finish on top.
- Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and sparkle after baking.
How to Make Tea Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination will provide the perfect foundation for your buns, balancing rise, sweetness, and flavor.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter visible. This technique is essential because those little buttery pockets create tender, flaky layers once baked.
Step 3: Add the Fruit
If you’re using raisins or currants, stir them into your crumbly mixture now. These add delightful pops of sweetness and chewiness that make these tea buns truly special and homey.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a small bowl, blend the milk and vanilla extract. Pour this over the dry ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the dough soft and tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly a few times to bring it together. Then roll or pat it out until about ¾-inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut rounds that will become your tea buns.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place the cut rounds onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden glow once baked. If you like, sprinkle a little sugar on top for a sweet crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the buns for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown on top. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly so they’re warm and ready to enjoy but not too hot to eat.
How to Serve Tea Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A simple pat of butter melting into the warm crumb is a classic and luscious way to enjoy these buns. For an extra touch, a little fruit jam or honey adds sweetness and depth that complements the tender dough wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Tea buns are incredibly versatile. Pair them with your favorite hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a lovely companion to creamy soups or light salads for a delightful snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your tea buns warm on a rustic wooden board lined with a colorful cloth napkin. For celebrations, pile them in a basket with fresh fruit and spreads. You can also slice them and use as a base for mini open-faced sandwiches with cheese and cucumber for brunch excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, store the tea buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft but fresh-tasting, so you can enjoy their buttery goodness later.
Freezing
Tea buns freeze beautifully! Place cooled buns in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop your tea buns in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll regain their delightful texture and that inviting aroma, as if freshly baked moments ago.
FAQs
Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins or currants?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even finely chopped dried apricots work wonderfully and add delightful variations in flavor to this Tea Buns Recipe.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly to prevent the buns from being too salty.
What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
Not a problem! You can use a glass or any round object with a sharp edge to cut your dough rounds. Just press firmly and rotate to get clean circles for baking.
Can I make this Tea Buns Recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for a similar shine.
How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. If you tap the bottom gently, it should sound hollow. Baking times can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye after 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Tea Buns Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves simple, comforting homemade baked goods. I hope you give it a try and experience that heartwarming joy of biting into these tender, buttery buns fresh from your oven. They’re perfect any time you want to add a little sweetness and nostalgia to your day.
Print
Tea Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional Tea Buns recipe from Newfoundland offers soft, mildly sweet buns filled with raisins or currants. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these easy-to-make buns feature a tender crumb enriched with buttery goodness and a hint of vanilla, baked to a golden brown.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Optional
- ½ cup raisins or currants
- Extra sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring small butter pieces throughout for a flaky texture.
- Add Raisins or Currants: Stir in the optional raisins or currants, distributing them evenly through the mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract, then pour this into the dry ingredients.
- Form the Dough: Stir gently just until everything is combined; avoid overmixing to keep the buns tender.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together as a cohesive ball.
- Shape Buns: Roll or pat the dough to about ¾-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into rounds.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, brush each with the lightly beaten egg to achieve a glossy finish, and sprinkle with extra sugar if desired for sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the buns turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly on a rack before serving, making them perfect to enjoy with butter and jam.
Notes
- These buns pair wonderfully with butter and jam for a classic teatime experience.
- You can substitute dried cranberries or chopped dates for the raisins if preferred.
- For a richer and creamier flavor, replace part of the milk with cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Newfoundland, Canadian
