Custard Biscuits Recipe

If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings a hint of nostalgia and maximum comfort, Custard Biscuits are the way to go. These golden little gems are as charming as they are delicious, thanks to that classic blend of buttery richness and the sweet, creamy lift from custard powder. Whether you grew up nibbling them alongside a cup of tea or you’re just discovering this British favorite, you’ll love how simple they are to make and how special they taste. Perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or simply treating yourself on a quiet afternoon.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Custard Biscuits lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, blending to create tender, flavorful cookies with a delicate crumb and that signature sunshine hue. Here’s what you’ll need and exactly why it matters:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these biscuits their perfect structure without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Custard powder: The star of the show! It adds a lovely yellow color and a dreamy vanilla custard undertone you can’t get anywhere else.
• Unsalted butter (softened): For that melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich, decadent taste. Make sure it’s room temperature for easy mixing!
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth sweetness and helps the biscuits stay tender, not gritty or grainy.
• Vanilla extract: Amplifies the warm, comforting flavor profile. Just a teaspoon goes a long way here.
• Pinch of salt: Brings balance and sharpens all the sweet, creamy notes.

How to Make Custard Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures that your Custard Biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and keeping the gorgeous fork marks intact.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to beat everything together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This is where you build the creamy base, ensuring your biscuits will be soft and tender.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, custard powder, and that essential pinch of salt. This step may look simple, but mixing well at this stage means those wonderful custard flavors and colors will be evenly distributed in every bite.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix slowly at first—either with your mixer on low or by hand—so the dough comes together without making a mess. You’re looking for a soft but pliable dough: if it’s a little crumbly, don’t panic, just keep mixing gently until it forms.

Step 5: Shape and Pattern the Biscuits

Scoop out small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with enough space to spread. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork, creating that classic crisscross imprint that adds character to every Custard Biscuit.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. They’re ready when the edges are just turning pale golden. Avoid overbaking for the best soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture—remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps set their crumb so they won’t break apart. Once completely cool, dive in or store them for later—if you can resist!

How to Serve Custard Biscuits

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes your Custard Biscuits look bakery-worthy and adds a subtly sweet first bite. For something extra special, drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the cooled biscuits, or sandwich two together with a dollop of buttercream or a tangy jam for a truly indulgent treat.

Side Dishes

Custard Biscuits pair beautifully with a pot of black tea or a frothy cappuccino. For an afternoon tea spread, try serving them alongside fresh berries, fruit preserves, or a selection of other classic British biscuits and scones. They’re also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and pile Custard Biscuits into a pretty tin or a glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifting. Try stacking them on a tiered cake stand alongside other homemade cookies for a showstopper dessert table. For gatherings, create a “biscuit sandwich bar” where family or guests can choose their own buttercream or jam fillings—it always makes for happy smiles and happy bellies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Custard Biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, though they’re so tempting that they’re unlikely to last that long! A tight seal is key, as it preserves their buttery softness and signature flavor.

Freezing

Yes, Custard Biscuits freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to two months, making them perfect for prepping ahead or satisfying spontaneous cookie cravings.

Reheating

If you like your Custard Biscuits a little warm, simply pop them in a low oven (about 275°F or 135°C) for a minute or two. This brings back their just-baked aroma, but be mindful not to overheat or they’ll dry out—just a quick warm-up is all it takes to make them irresistible again.

FAQs

What is custard powder and why use it in biscuits?

Custard powder is a sweet, vanilla-flavored cornflour mix that’s often used to thicken puddings. In Custard Biscuits, it provides a unique flavor, a hint of color, and gives them their distinctive “custard” aroma and taste—making these different from any regular butter cookie.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can substitute salted butter if that’s all you have, but remember to omit the pinch of additional salt in the recipe. The small amount of salt in the butter will give balance without overpowering the delicate flavors of the biscuits.

Is it possible to make Custard Biscuits gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (look for one formulated for baking). The texture may vary slightly, but the biscuits should remain tender and flavorful, and the custard powder will still shine through.

My dough is too crumbly. How can I fix it?

If your dough seems dry or doesn’t come together easily, just add a teaspoon of milk and gently mix until it’s soft and pliable. Be careful not to overwork the dough—just enough to combine is perfect for light, tender biscuits.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This Custard Biscuits recipe scales up easily. Simply double (or triple!) all the ingredients and mix in batches if needed. It’s a great way to make plenty for holidays, parties, or homemade gifts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably wonderful about a fresh batch of Custard Biscuits—the aroma, the delicate fork marks, that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite. If you haven’t tried baking these at home, now’s the time to bring a bit of old-fashioned joy to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, share them with someone you love, and let Custard Biscuits become a favorite tradition in your home too.

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