Name: Tea Buns Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Newfoundland
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 1 cup raisins or currants (optional); 1 large egg; 1 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re yearning for a tender, slightly sweet treat that’s cozy, nostalgic, and just perfect with your afternoon beverage, look no further than this delightful Tea Buns Recipe. These soft Newfoundland-style buns burst with golden flavor from creamy butter, a gentle touch of sugar, and (should you choose) plump raisins or currants. Quick to whip up and even more rewarding to eat, they embody homey comfort—a warm hug in every bite—that’s loved across generations. Whether you bake for a family gathering or a solo tea break, this Tea Buns Recipe is a classic you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Tea Buns Recipe lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient plays a meaningful role in texture, flavor, or the golden hue these buns get fresh out of the oven. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and some helpful notes for each:

All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and that classic light crumb—sift before using for best texture.
Baking powder: Ensures a gentle, reliable rise to make the buns soft and lofty.
Salt: Balances sweetness and lets the butter and vanilla shine through.
Granulated sugar: Gives just enough sweetness—these aren’t meant to be dessert, but a not-too-sweet treat.
Cold butter, cubed: Essential for flakiness; colder is better, so use straight from the fridge and handle quickly.
Raisins or currants (optional): These add a burst of chewy sweetness for traditional appeal, but leave them out if you prefer your tea buns plain.
Large egg: Adds richness to both flavor and structure; room temperature eggs mix best.
Milk: Binds the dough and adds moisture for that tender texture inside.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash transforms the aroma and makes these buns feel extra special.

How to Make Tea Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, which makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Getting this set up at the start means you can pop the buns in as soon as they’re ready and they’ll bake evenly every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a roomy bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This quick mix ensures all the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, so every bun rises perfectly and the flavor is balanced from edge to edge.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Now for the secret behind those dreamy, flaky layers: add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or simply work quickly with your fingertips, rubbing the butter into the flour until you have a mixture that looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix—little pockets of butter are what give tea buns that wonderful soft flake.

Step 4: Add Raisins or Currants

If you love the classic touch of raisins or currants, stir them in now so they’re coated with flour and will be evenly distributed through your dough. Of course, these are optional—skip them for a more basic but equally delicious bun.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. This little step ensures the egg is fully blended and spreads its richness throughout the batter, guaranteeing even, moist buns.

Step 6: Bring the Dough Together

Pour your liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until a soft dough forms. It’s tempting to keep mixing, but less is more—overmixing makes buns tough rather than tender.

Step 7: Shape and Cut the Buns

Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface, then gently knead it a few times. Pat it out to about a 1-inch thickness—no rolling pin required! Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds, pressing straight down for the highest rise. Gather and pat out scraps as needed until all the dough is used up.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your cut rounds on the prepared baking sheet, just a bit apart. For an extra pretty finish and some added richness, brush the tops with milk. Bake them in your hot oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden on top and just firm. Let cool ever so slightly before serving—the anticipation is half the fun!

How to Serve Tea Buns Recipe

Garnishes

Enjoy these warm from the oven with a generous swipe of creamy butter, a spoonful of homemade jam, or even a slice of salty cheddar cheese. Each adds its own spin, whether you want something sweet, savory, or decadent. For special occasions, a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar makes them extra inviting.

Side Dishes

The Tea Buns Recipe is at its best with a classic hot beverage—strong tea or a smooth coffee. For a more filling snack, serve alongside a fruit salad, yogurt, or a dollop of clotted cream for richness. They’re even lovely with a hearty Newfoundland fish chowder or soup as a rustic accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the buns in a rustic bread basket lined with a crisp linen napkin, or stack them high on a pretty cake stand for a tea party vibe. For gatherings, serve them on a pretty wooden board with small pots of various jams and cheeses, turning simple tea buns into an interactive treat. Miniature versions also make an adorable and crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have any tea buns left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re at their fluffiest on day one, but will still be delicious lightly warmed for up to 48 hours. To keep them moist, slip a piece of wax paper between the buns and close tightly.

Freezing

One of the best parts of the Tea Buns Recipe is how well the buns freeze. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep their lovely texture for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight on the counter or reheat straight from frozen for busy mornings ahead.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked feel, pop your buns into a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also gently microwave for 15–20 seconds. Either method revives their soft crumb and brings back that crave-able, buttery aroma.

FAQs

Can I make this Tea Buns Recipe without raisins or currants?

Absolutely! Traditional tea buns often include raisins or currants for a touch of sweetness and texture, but you can leave them out or even substitute with chopped dried cranberries or chocolate chips if you’d like a creative twist.

What’s the secret to soft, fluffy tea buns?

Keeping your butter cold and handling the dough as gently as possible are essential. Don’t overmix once the wet and dry ingredients are combined—overworking develops gluten, making the buns dense instead of light and fluffy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, cut out your buns, and refrigerate them (covered) for several hours or overnight. Bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.

How do I know when the buns are done baking?

Your tea buns should be a lovely golden brown on top and feel just firm when gently pressed. If you’re ever unsure, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I use a milk substitute for a dairy-free version?

You absolutely can! Use a neutral, unsweetened non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or soy. For the butter, a good plant-based baking margarine works beautifully so you can keep the results rich and crumbly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried the classic Tea Buns Recipe, consider this your invitation to fall in love with a beloved Newfoundland staple. They’re a heartwarming pleasure to bake and even better to share—whether you’re hosting friends, treating family, or simply craving something cozy with your cup of tea. Give them a try and let their old-fashioned charm win you over!

Tea Buns Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 buns 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Tea Buns with this easy recipe. These sweet, fluffy buns are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup raisins or currants (optional)
1 large egg
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs.
Add Raisins: Stir in raisins or currants if using.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat egg with milk and vanilla. Pour into dry ingredients and mix gently.
Knead and Shape: Turn dough onto floured surface, knead lightly. Pat to 1-inch thickness and cut rounds.
Bake: Place on baking sheet, bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
Cool and Serve: Cool slightly before serving.