- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the buns from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your buns will have a uniform flavor and texture.
- Cut in Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The bits of butter will help create a flaky texture in your buns.
- Add Raisins or Currants (Optional):
- If using, fold in the raisins or dried currants at this point. They’ll add a sweet, chewy texture to your buns.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Form the Dough:
- Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined to form a sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough buns.
- Shape the Buns:
- With floured hands, gently shape the dough into rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If the dough is too sticky, you can use two spoons or a cookie scoop.
- Brush with Cream:
- Lightly brush the tops of the buns with heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful golden color and a rich flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the buns to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve your tea buns warm or at room temperature, ideally with butter, jam, or cream for added indulgence.
These homemade tea buns are not only delicious but also a comforting addition to any afternoon tea. The process of making them can be a relaxing and rewarding way to spend an afternoon, filling your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods. Enjoy your tea buns with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect break in your day.