Custard Biscuits Recipe
If you’ve never experienced the melt-in-your-mouth delight of Custard Biscuits, you’re in for a genuine treat! Perfectly crumbly with a sweet, creamy flavor from custard powder, these classic biscuits are a staple at tea time and a nostalgic favorite for all ages. They have that magical quality of being elegant enough to impress visitors yet comforting enough to bake on a rainy afternoon with the family. Whether you enjoy them plain or jazzed up with a bit of chocolate or jam, Custard Biscuits are a joy you’ll find yourself baking again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Custard Biscuits lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is essential, working together to create a biscuit with the perfect texture, color, and taste. Let’s talk about what makes every part of the lineup so special.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup/225g): Gives the biscuits their rich flavor and helps them melt-in-your-mouth—make sure it’s softened for effortless creaming.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup/60g): Dissolves beautifully into the butter for a smooth, subtle sweetness throughout each biscuit.
- All-purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups/180g): The sturdy backbone that holds everything together while keeping things delicate.
- Custard Powder (1/2 cup/60g): The secret ingredient that brings color and that signature creamy, vanilla taste—no ordinary biscuit here!
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the custard flavor, rounding everything out with a comforting aroma.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and lift all those lovely flavors.
How to Make Custard Biscuits
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C); this ensures the biscuits bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step saves you from sticking disasters and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and light. This creaming step is absolutely key for that signature airy texture we all love in Custard Biscuits. Don’t rush it—the more you whip, the better the biscuits will be!
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are nicely whipped, blend in the vanilla extract. This tiny addition weaves through the dough, adding warmth and enhancing the custard notes that make these biscuits shine.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, custard powder, and salt. Blending them ahead of time ensures the custard powder is evenly distributed, giving every bite that signature hue and flavor of Custard Biscuits.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add your dry mix into the wet ingredients, beating gently after each addition. Soon, you’ll see a soft dough take shape. It’ll be supple and slightly tacky, perfect for rolling but not too sticky.
Step 6: Shape and Pattern
Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into small balls with your palms. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with a fork, making a crisscross pattern—the classic look for Custard Biscuits and a great way to encourage even baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye out: you want the edges only just turning golden, not browned. This keeps the biscuits beautifully soft and crumbly inside.
Step 8: Cool Them Down
Let the biscuits rest on the pan for five minutes after baking—they’ll be very delicate fresh out of the oven. Afterward, transfer them gently to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s hard to wait, but it helps them set up with the perfect texture!
How to Serve Custard Biscuits
Garnishes
For a touch of decadence, you can dust your Custard Biscuits with a bit more powdered sugar once cooled, or dip half of each in melted chocolate for a stunning finish. Sandwiched with a dollop of buttercream or fruity jam, these biscuits transform into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Custard Biscuits shine brightest beside a cup of hot tea or coffee, their creamy flavors complemented wonderfully by the bitterness of your brew. They’re just as at home on a dessert platter among shortbread, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a playful twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Custard Biscuits in clear jars for edible gifts, or arrange them on tiered stands with fresh berries for an elegant afternoon tea. You can even get kids involved, letting them dip or sandwich biscuits with their favorite spreads or toppings. Fun, colorful, and full of personal flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Custard Biscuits at their melt-in-your-mouth best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for three to four days—a perfect snack for whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Custard Biscuits even longer? Place the cooled biscuits between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for about half an hour, and they’ll be nearly as good as freshly baked!
Reheating
If you love warm biscuits, heat them gently in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for just 4-5 minutes. This revives that freshly-baked aroma and brings the texture back to life. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tough.
FAQs
Can I make Custard Biscuits without custard powder?
Custard powder is the magic behind these biscuits’ signature flavor and color. If you don’t have any, vanilla pudding mix might work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that classic taste. For true Custard Biscuits, the real thing is worth finding!
Why did my biscuits turn out too hard?
Overmixing the dough or baking too long can make these biscuits tough. For the classic melt-in-the-mouth feel, mix just until combined and bake only until the edges are starting to turn golden—no longer.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding a touch of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy spin, or fold in mini chocolate chips. Just keep the basic dough the same so the magic of Custard Biscuits still comes through.
Are Custard Biscuits freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Make a double batch and keep some on hand for last-minute guests or late-night cravings—just thaw before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I make these biscuits vegan?
You can! Swap the butter for a plant-based buttery spread and use a vegan custard powder. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get a delicious vegan version of Custard Biscuits.
Final Thoughts
From their comforting aroma to that unmistakably melt-in-the-mouth texture, Custard Biscuits are pure happiness in a bite. Whether you bake them solo or share the joy with friends and family, I promise these charming little treats will quickly become a beloved part of your own baking traditions. Give them a try—you’ll wonder how you ever had tea without them!
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Custard Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Custard Biscuits are a delightful treat with a buttery, crumbly texture and a hint of custard flavor. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) custard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) 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. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, custard powder, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls, place on baking sheet, flatten with a fork, and bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let biscuits cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, sandwich two biscuits together with buttercream or jam.
- You can also dip one half in melted chocolate for a decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
