Mary Berry Cinnamon Biscuits Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re a fan of comforting, homemade treats, you absolutely have to try Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits!

With her signature flair for simple yet delicious recipes, Mary Berry brings together the perfect balance of warm spices and buttery goodness in these biscuits. They’re quick to make, wonderfully aromatic as they bake, and perfect for any occasion-whether you’re looking for a cozy snack with your afternoon tea or a sweet treat to share with friends. Plus, the cinnamon adds a lovely, fragrant twist that makes them even more irresistible. Give this recipe a go, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again!

Mary Berry Cinnamon Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits, you’ll need to gather a mix of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create those delightful, buttery, and aromatic treats. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Plain Flour (225g)

   This will form the base of your biscuit dough. Plain flour provides the perfect texture without the need for raising agents, ensuring your biscuits remain crisp and tender.

2. Unsalted Butter (100g)

   Butter is what gives these biscuits their rich flavor and crumbly texture. You’ll want to use unsalted butter to have control over the amount of salt in the recipe, but if you only have salted butter, just skip adding any extra salt later on.

3. Caster Sugar (75g)

   Caster sugar is a fine-textured sugar that dissolves quickly, helping to create a smooth dough. It will provide the right level of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon spice.

4. Ground Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons)

   Cinnamon is the star of this recipe, providing a warm, spicy, and aromatic flavor. You’ll want to use freshly ground cinnamon for the best taste, though pre-ground will work fine too.

5. Baking Powder (½ teaspoon)

   A small amount of baking powder helps give these biscuits a slight rise, ensuring they are light and crisp rather than too dense.

6. Milk (1-2 tablespoons)

   Milk helps to bind the dough together and adds just enough moisture to make it workable. You may need more or less depending on the consistency of your dough.

7. Light Brown Sugar (for dusting)

   After baking, a light dusting of brown sugar will give the biscuits a beautiful finish and a touch of caramelized sweetness. This adds to the overall texture and flavor of the biscuits.

These ingredients, combined with a careful method, will give you biscuits with the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma.

Equipment Needed

Before diving into the biscuit-making process, you’ll want to gather the following equipment to make things run smoothly. These tools will help you achieve the right consistency and finish, ensuring your biscuits come out perfectly every time.

1. Mixing Bowl

   A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder) with the wet ingredients (butter and milk). You’ll need enough space for the dough to be mixed without spilling over.

2. Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

   While mixing by hand is possible, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer is incredibly helpful for blending the butter and sugar, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well-combined before adding the dry ingredients.

3. Rolling Pin

   A rolling pin is key to flattening the dough into an even thickness. This will ensure uniform biscuits that bake at the same rate. A smooth, even roll is crucial to achieve that perfect biscuit shape.

4. Cookie Cutters

   Typically, you would use a round cutter, but if you’d like to get creative, feel free to use any shape or size of cutters you prefer. This is where you can let your personality shine-whether it’s simple circles or fun seasonal shapes.

5. Baking Tray

   A sturdy baking tray or sheet will hold your biscuits as they bake. Make sure it’s lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.

6. Cooling Rack

   After your biscuits are out of the oven, it’s important to let them cool on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around them, keeping the biscuits crisp and preventing sogginess.

7. Pastry Brush (optional)

   If you choose to brush the biscuits with milk before baking (for a golden finish), a pastry brush will give you the control and precision you need.

Having these pieces of equipment ready ensures a seamless baking process, with everything you need right at your fingertips.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking!

Follow these simple, detailed steps to create the perfect Mary Berry Cinnamon Biscuits.

1. Preheat the Oven

   Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. This ensures the biscuits bake evenly from the moment they go in.

2. Prepare the Baking Tray

   Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking. If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease the tray with butter or oil.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Sifting helps to break up any lumps in the flour and evenly distributes the cinnamon, which ensures every biscuit gets that lovely spicy flavor.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

   In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring your biscuits are soft and tender rather than hard. An electric hand mixer makes this process quick and efficient.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

   Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring until it begins to come together into a dough. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk, just enough to bring the dough together into a ball.

6. Roll Out the Dough

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use your rolling pin to roll it out to about 5mm thickness. Be gentle when rolling; you don’t want to overwork the dough, as this can make your biscuits tough.

7. Cut Out the Biscuits

   Using your cookie cutter, cut out as many biscuits as you can from the dough. Try to space them evenly on the baking tray to allow for even cooking.

8. Bake the Biscuits

   Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them after the 8-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.

9. Cool and Dust

   Once your biscuits are baked to perfection, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool. While they’re still warm, lightly dust them with the light brown sugar for a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.

Expert Tips

1. Chill the Dough

   If you want crispier biscuits, you can wrap your dough in cling film and refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps to solidify the butter, ensuring the biscuits hold their shape and become extra crunchy.

2. Adjust Cinnamon to Taste

   Cinnamon is a strong spice, and its flavor can vary depending on the brand or how fresh it is. If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add a little more than the recipe suggests for an extra burst of spice.

3. Use a Mix of Sugars

   Try experimenting with different sugars. A combination of light brown sugar and caster sugar in the dough gives a nice depth of sweetness, but you can also use demerara sugar for a more caramelized, crunchy finish on top.

4. Don’t Overwork the Dough

   When mixing the dough, try to handle it as little as possible to avoid tough biscuits. The less you work the dough, the more delicate and crisp the biscuits will be.

5. Add a Glaze

   For a slightly different twist, you can brush the biscuits with a light cinnamon glaze after baking. Mix powdered sugar with cinnamon and a splash of milk, then drizzle over the biscuits for extra sweetness and a touch of elegance.

Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits are the perfect combination of crispness and warmth, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can create biscuits that are full of flavor, with a delightful cinnamon kick. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these biscuits will always impress.

With the expert tips and detailed instructions, you’re now equipped to bake these delightful biscuits with confidence. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking your way to the most delicious cinnamon biscuits you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking!

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits

Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits are a classic treat, beloved for their soft yet crispy texture and warm, spiced flavor. However, if you’re looking to mix things up a bit and take your cinnamon biscuit game to the next level, there are plenty of easy and delicious variations you can try.

These variations keep the essence of Mary Berry’s original recipe intact, but add a twist that can cater to different preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fantastic options to explore:.

1. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Biscuits

For those who can’t resist a touch of chocolate in their baked goods, this variation is a must-try. Simply fold in a handful of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference) into the dough before shaping it into biscuits. The rich cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

2. Apple Cinnamon Biscuits

A delicious way to bring in some fruity freshness is by adding finely chopped apples to the dough. Choose a tart variety like Granny Smith to add a slight tang that contrasts with the sweetness of the cinnamon.

You could also add a touch of lemon zest to elevate the apple flavor. These biscuits are perfect for a cozy autumn morning or an afternoon tea.

3. Nutty Cinnamon Biscuits

For an extra bit of texture and richness, try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. The slight bitterness of the nuts enhances the sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor, creating a more complex bite. You can fold the nuts into the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking for an added crunch.

4. Vegan Cinnamon Biscuits

For those following a plant-based diet, it’s easy to adapt Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits to be vegan-friendly. Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk in place of regular milk. You can still enjoy all the warm, cinnamon goodness without any animal products.

5. Glazed Cinnamon Biscuits

While Mary Berry’s recipe offers a simple, crisp finish, adding a sweet glaze can make the biscuits even more indulgent. A quick glaze made with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla is easy to prepare. Drizzle it over the cooled biscuits for a glossy, sweet topping that adds a delightful finish to each bite.

6. Cinnamon And Orange Biscuits

For a citrusy twist, try adding orange zest to the dough. The bright, zesty flavor of orange complements cinnamon perfectly, adding a refreshing balance to the warm, comforting spice.

This combination works especially well when you’re craving something with a bit of tang to cut through the sweetness. You could even top the biscuits with an orange glaze for an extra citrus punch.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

While freshly baked cinnamon biscuits are undeniably delicious, it’s always great to have some leftovers to enjoy later. To ensure that your biscuits stay fresh and maintain their flavor, follow these storage tips:

1. Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to consume your cinnamon biscuits within a couple of days, storing them at room temperature is the easiest and most convenient option. Place the biscuits in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Be sure the biscuits have cooled completely before sealing them in the container, as residual heat can create condensation, which may lead to sogginess.

2. Freezing Cinnamon Biscuits

Cinnamon biscuits freeze incredibly well, making them perfect for long-term storage. If you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze the biscuits individually for later enjoyment.

To freeze, place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container.

They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can defrost them at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a quick reheating, restoring their delicious texture.

3. Reheating Leftovers

If you have some leftover biscuits that have already been stored at room temperature or in the fridge, reheating them is simple. Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) and place the biscuits on a baking tray.

Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy again. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave, but keep in mind that this may slightly soften the biscuits, losing some of their original texture.

4. Storage Time

Cinnamon biscuits are best consumed within 3-4 days if stored at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last for about 5-7 days, but the texture may change slightly. If you freeze them, as mentioned earlier, they’ll last up to 3 months but should be eaten within that time frame for the best taste and texture.

What Goes Well With Cinnamon Biscuits

Cinnamon biscuits are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a variety of beverages and toppings. Here are a few delicious ideas for what goes well with these sweet treats:

1. Coffee

The rich, bold flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon biscuits. Whether you prefer a classic black coffee, a latte, or a cappuccino, the warmth and bitterness of the coffee complement the sweetness of the biscuits perfectly. For a fun twist, you could even enjoy your biscuits with a flavored coffee, like a spiced or caramel coffee, for a more indulgent experience.

2. Tea

Tea is another classic pairing for cinnamon biscuits, especially when you’re serving them for afternoon tea. Black teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast offer a robust flavor that balances the sweetness of the biscuits.

For something lighter, a chamomile or green tea can bring out the cinnamon without overpowering the flavor. A chai tea, with its own blend of spices, is particularly suited for pairing with cinnamon-based treats.

3. Jam Or Marmalade

Spread a little jam or marmalade on your cinnamon biscuits for an extra layer of flavor. Raspberry or strawberry jam provides a fruity sweetness that complements the warm spices of the biscuit. For something more tangy, try an orange marmalade, which adds a zesty contrast to the rich cinnamon flavor.

4. Whipped Cream Or Butter

For an indulgent treat, top your cinnamon biscuits with a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of butter. The richness of the cream or butter enhances the spiced flavor of the biscuits, making each bite melt in your mouth. You could also drizzle a little honey or maple syrup for a sweet, sticky finish.

5. Ice Cream

If you’re craving a dessert with a bit more decadence, serve your cinnamon biscuits warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The creamy, cool ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the spiced, crisp biscuit, creating a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits are a quintessential comfort food, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Whether you choose to stick to the original recipe or try one of the many variations, these biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. From chocolate chip to vegan versions, there’s no limit to the creative ways you can enjoy these treats.

Storing your leftovers properly ensures that your cinnamon biscuits remain fresh and delicious, so you can enjoy them long after baking. And when it comes to pairing, there’s a world of possibilities, from coffee and tea to jam and ice cream. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because you want something comforting, cinnamon biscuits are always a good idea.

In the end, Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits are more than just a recipe-they’re a nostalgic treat that brings warmth, joy, and a bit of indulgence to any day. So go ahead, experiment with variations, share with friends, and savor every bite!

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits?

The ingredients for Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits include plain flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, unsalted butter, golden caster sugar, an egg, and a little milk. These ingredients come together to create a crisp, spiced biscuit that’s perfect for any occasion.

How Long Do Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits Take To Prepare?

Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits typically take around 20 minutes to prepare, including the time needed to mix the ingredients and roll the dough. The baking time is around 10-12 minutes in the oven, so the total time to make the biscuits is approximately 30-35 minutes.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits In Advance?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits in advance. The dough can be prepared and chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The biscuits themselves can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

What Is The Best Way To Store Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits?

Store Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for up to a week when stored properly at room temperature. If you need to keep them for longer, you can freeze the biscuits for up to 3 months.

Can I Substitute Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. For example, you could use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt.

You can also experiment with different sweeteners like light brown sugar instead of golden caster sugar. However, these changes may slightly affect the texture or flavor of the biscuits.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits by using a gluten-free plain flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and sugar, are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Why Are My Mary Berry Cinnamon Biscuits Spreading Too Much During Baking?

If your cinnamon biscuits are spreading too much, it could be because the dough is too soft. Ensure that the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, check that you’re using the correct proportions of butter and flour, as too much butter can cause spreading.

Can I Add Other Spices To Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits?

Yes, you can add other spices to Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits if you want to experiment with flavors. Nutmeg, ground ginger, or cloves would complement the cinnamon beautifully. Just be careful not to overpower the cinnamon flavor, as it is the star of the recipe.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits More Chewy?

To make Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits chewier, you can slightly reduce the amount of flour or increase the amount of butter. Another option is to slightly underbake them, leaving them a little soft in the center, but make sure to keep an eye on the baking time so they don’t become too soft or doughy.

Can I Use Mary Berry’s Cinnamon Biscuits Recipe To Make Cookies With Icing?

Yes, you can easily turn Mary Berry’s cinnamon biscuits into iced cookies. After baking and allowing them to cool, you can drizzle or pipe royal icing or glaze on top for extra sweetness and decoration. The cinnamon flavor pairs wonderfully with a simple icing.