These tea biscuits are a delightful treat that can be whipped up quickly with just a few basic ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they are light, fluffy, and have a buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually bake, you might need to pick up baking powder and cold butter from the supermarket. Ensure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve the perfect texture for your biscuits.

Ingredients for Tea Biscuit Recipe Without Cream of Tartar
All-purpose flour: The base of the biscuit dough, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the biscuits.
Cold and cubed butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the biscuits.
Milk: Brings the dough together and adds moisture.
Technique Tip for Making Tea Biscuits
When cutting in the butter, make sure it is very cold. This helps create flaky layers in the biscuits. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and vinegar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of vinegar for each teaspoon of baking powder. This combination will mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity as butter and will provide a similar texture and flavor.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and can make the biscuits more tender. Use the same quantity as milk.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Tea Biscuits
Allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the biscuits soggy.
Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
For freezing, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain their freshness and prevents freezer burn.
Place the wrapped biscuits in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of their storage time.
Freeze the biscuits for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the biscuits at room temperature or reheat them directly from frozen.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Alternatively, you can reheat the biscuits in a microwave. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. This method helps to keep the biscuits moist.
If you prefer a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the biscuits for 5-7 minutes. This method can give them a nice, crisp exterior.
For an extra touch of flavor, brush the biscuits with melted butter before reheating. This adds a delightful richness and enhances their golden-brown color.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tea biscuits on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Wrap each biscuit in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue heating in 10-second intervals.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the biscuits directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a stovetop method, use a skillet over low heat. Place the biscuits in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, checking frequently to avoid burning.
If you prefer a steam method, place a steaming basket over a pot of simmering water. Arrange the biscuits in the basket, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them moist and soft.
Essential Tools for Making Tea Biscuits
Oven: Preheat to 450°F (230°C) to bake the biscuits until golden brown.
Mixing bowl: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Pastry cutter: Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Measuring cups: Measure out the flour, baking powder, and milk accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure out the salt and baking powder precisely.
Rolling pin: Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick.
Biscuit cutter: Cut the dough into biscuit shapes.
Baking sheet: Place the cut biscuits on this for baking.
Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Knife: Cube the cold butter.
Flour sifter: Optional, but can be used to sift the flour for a lighter texture.
Spatula: Transfer the biscuits to the baking sheet.
Cooling rack: Place the baked biscuits on this to cool down evenly.
How to Save Time on Making Tea Biscuits
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during preparation.
Use a food processor: Quickly cut in the butter using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Cold butter trick: Freeze the butter and grate it into the flour mixture for faster incorporation.
No-knead method: Skip kneading by gently folding the dough a few times instead.
Quick cleanup: Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze extra biscuits for future use.

Tea Biscuit Recipe without Cream of Tartar
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ cup Butter cold and cubed
- ¾ cup Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter.
- Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
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Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for Tea Biscuits
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