Name: Custard Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup custard powder (such as Bird’s); pinch of salt

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There’s just something magical about Custard Biscuits: the way they melt on your tongue, that sweet vanilla aroma floating through the kitchen, and their sunshiny color that hints at the custard powder tucked inside. This classic treat is a beloved staple in many British homes—simple enough for everyday baking, yet delightfully elegant when shared with friends over tea or coffee. Whether you’re after nostalgia or simply crave something soft, buttery, and irresistibly moreish, these Custard Biscuits are guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Custard Biscuits is how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into the most tender, crumbly cookies! Each component plays a unique role in creating that signature soft bite, mellow sweetness, and the unmistakable custard flavor and color that make these biscuits extraordinary.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup/2 sticks, softened): The key to a melt-in-the-mouth biscuit, so be sure to use high-quality butter at room temperature for maximum creaminess.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): This adds a delicate sweetness and ultra-fine texture—powdered sugar keeps the biscuits soft and tender.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla lifts the custardy flavors and makes the biscuits aromatic and inviting.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the sturdy, crumbly backbone of the biscuits—measure carefully for perfect texture.
Custard Powder (1/2 cup, such as Bird’s): The secret ingredient! It gives both the warm yellow color and nostalgic custard flavor—don’t skip this!
Salt (pinch): Just a dash sharpens all the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness for that classic biscuit taste.

How to Make Custard Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your biscuits go in. Line two baking trays with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve those perfectly golden biscuit bases.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This step sets the stage for the tender, delicate crumb that makes Custard Biscuits so special.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until it’s fully incorporated. This little addition infuses your entire dough with a sweet, fragrant warmth that feels like a bakery treat.

Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the all-purpose flour, custard powder, and a pinch of salt right over your wet ingredients. Sifting keeps the dough light (no lumps!) and makes sure that stunning yellow color from the custard powder is perfectly even throughout.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Stir everything together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The dough should come together easily—don’t overmix or the biscuits may turn tough. If it’s a little sticky, let it rest for five minutes before shaping.

Step 6: Shape and Flatten

Using a teaspoon, scoop out dough and roll into small balls—something just under an inch across works brilliantly. Place these about 2 inches apart on your lined trays. To get that classic Custard Biscuits crisscross pattern, gently press the tops with the back of a fork.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The biscuits should be just turning golden at the edges (not browned!). When finished, let them cool on the tray for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Custard Biscuits

Garnishes

For an extra bit of flair, dust your Custard Biscuits with a light sifting of powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. Edible flowers or a curl of lemon zest on the plate can add even more charm for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong serving Custard Biscuits alongside a steaming cup of English breakfast tea or a creamy hot chocolate. On sunny afternoons, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of berries for a delightfully fresh touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Custard Biscuits into a showstopper by sandwiching them with a dollop of jam or a swirl of vanilla buttercream. Or, stack them in a vintage tin for an elegant afternoon tea spread. These also make adorable edible gifts—pop a few into a clear bag tied with ribbon for a homemade treat anyone would love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Custard Biscuits fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft and delicious for up to a week, ready for snacking whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to make Custard Biscuits ahead, simply freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time. Already-baked biscuits also freeze well; thaw at room temperature and enjoy!

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, warm Custard Biscuits in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. This restores their lovely texture and fresh-from-the-oven aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is highly recommended for its rich flavor and perfect crumb, but in a pinch, a good quality margarine will work. Bear in mind that the flavor and texture of your Custard Biscuits may be slightly different.

What is custard powder, and why is it important?

Custard powder is a sweet, starchy mix (often tinted and flavored with vanilla) that brings both color and nostalgic flavor to your Custard Biscuits. It’s the ingredient that makes them distinctly different from just any butter cookie!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure it’s a mix intended for baking to keep that lovely, soft texture in your Custard Biscuits.

How do I get my biscuits perfectly round and even?

Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop helps portion the dough evenly. When rolling, keep your hands cool and gentle—if your dough is sticky, a quick chill in the fridge makes shaping even easier.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Try folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips, or add citrus zest for a twist. For a more traditional route, a spoonful of raspberry jam sandwiched between two Custard Biscuits is pure bliss.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in baking Custard Biscuits: the anticipation as they perfume your kitchen, the pleasure of that first melt-in-your-mouth bite, and the happiness in sharing them with people you love. Give this classic recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to biscuit for every teatime moment!

Custard Biscuits Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 30 biscuits 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup custard powder (such as Bird’s)
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, custard powder, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Dough: Roll teaspoons of dough into small balls and place them on the prepared trays. Press each ball down with a fork to create a pattern.
Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.