Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for an egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
- Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Raisins:
- Stir in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk and vanilla extract.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky and lumpy.
- Shape the Buns:
- Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
- Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together.
- Roll or pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
- Use a round biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out buns. Gather any scraps, gently knead them together, and cut more buns.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- If desired, brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- Serve:
- Serve the buns warm or at room temperature, ideally with butter and a cup of tea.
Tips
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is cold to ensure the buns are flaky.
- Milk: You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Raisins: Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough for extra plumpness.
