Mary Berry Iced Biscuits Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy-to-make treat that will impress friends and family alike, you absolutely have to try Mary Berry’s iced biscuits recipe!

These biscuits are the perfect combination of buttery, crisp goodness with a vibrant, sweet icing that adds a pop of color and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to brighten up your day, Mary Berry’s simple yet delicious recipe ensures that even beginners can create a batch of beautifully decorated biscuits. It’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen and, trust me, once you’ve tasted them, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a classic!

Mary Berry Iced Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Mary Berry’s famous iced biscuits, you’ll need a selection of simple yet high-quality ingredients that combine to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness. The following list will ensure your biscuits are soft and buttery with the ideal finish when decorated with colorful icing.

1. Plain Flour – This is the base of any biscuit dough. It provides structure and helps form the biscuit’s delicate yet sturdy texture. It’s important to use plain flour as opposed to self-raising flour, as you don’t want the dough to rise too much during baking.

2. Caster Sugar – Caster sugar is slightly finer than regular sugar, which helps create a smooth dough without any gritty texture. It adds sweetness and contributes to the crispiness of the baked biscuits.

3. Unsalted Butter – The star ingredient for flavor and texture. Unsalted butter is ideal, as it allows you to control the salt content in the recipe. It helps create a tender crumb and imparts a rich, buttery taste to the biscuits.

4. Egg – One egg binds the dough together and contributes to the biscuit’s structure, helping them hold their shape during baking. It also adds a slight richness.

5. Vanilla Extract – A key ingredient for flavor, vanilla extract gives the biscuits a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor that complements the buttery taste. You can also substitute with almond extract for a different, more nutty flavor.

6. Royal Icing Sugar – This is the essential ingredient for decorating the biscuits. Royal icing is a smooth, firm icing that hardens quickly, providing a beautiful, glossy finish to the biscuit designs.

7. Food Coloring (Optional) – To make your iced biscuits as decorative as possible, you can use food coloring. This is an optional step but one that allows for endless creative possibilities in terms of design. Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid coloring, as it gives more intense color without altering the texture of the icing.

8. Lemon Juice or Water – To make royal icing, you’ll need a small amount of liquid. Lemon juice is commonly used because it helps stabilize the icing while adding a subtle tartness that cuts through the sweetness. Water is an acceptable substitute if you prefer a neutral flavor.

Equipment Needed

The right tools and equipment make a significant difference in both the ease and outcome of your baking experience. For making Mary Berry’s iced biscuits, the following items are highly recommended to ensure your biscuits turn out perfectly shaped, baked, and decorated.

1. Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients. A sturdy, stainless steel or ceramic bowl works best, as it won’t absorb odors or flavors.

2. Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk – While you can mix the dough by hand, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a handheld) helps save time and effort. It ensures the butter is creamed properly and the dough comes together smoothly.

3. Rolling Pin – A good rolling pin is crucial to rolling the dough out evenly, ensuring your biscuits bake uniformly. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle or any cylindrical object, but a rolling pin is more effective.

4. Biscuit Cutter or Cookie Cutters – Mary Berry’s iced biscuits can be shaped in any form you like, but traditional round cutters work well for uniform results. You can choose from simple round shapes, festive cookie cutters, or even custom shapes that suit the occasion.

5. Baking Sheet – A baking sheet is essential for transferring your biscuits from the countertop to the oven. It allows the heat to distribute evenly while baking. You may also want to line it with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.

6. Cooling Rack – Once the biscuits are out of the oven, they need to cool completely before being decorated. A cooling rack is ideal for this because it allows air to circulate around the biscuits, preventing them from becoming soggy.

7. Piping Bags and Icing Nozzles – For creating decorative designs with the royal icing, a piping bag with fine nozzles is necessary. It gives you the precision you need to create beautiful and intricate icing decorations.

8. Small Bowls for Icing – If you plan to use multiple colors of icing, you’ll need a few small bowls to separate the different hues. This also helps in mixing and adjusting the consistency of the royal icing.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits

Making Mary Berry’s iced biscuits is a multi-step process, but don’t let that deter you. With a little patience and the right technique, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of delicious, beautifully decorated biscuits. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Prepare The Dough

   • Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer for speed, or a hand whisk if you’re up for a bit of a workout! The mixture should turn pale and fluffy.
   • Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until incorporated.
   • Gradually add the plain flour to the mixture in stages, stirring until the dough begins to come together. You may need to use your hands to finish bringing it into a dough ball.
   • If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour. But be careful not to add too much, as it will make the biscuits dry.

2. Chill The Dough

   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is important because it makes the dough easier to roll out and helps prevent the biscuits from spreading too much when baked.

3. Roll And Cut The Dough

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating, place your chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface.
   • Roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick, then use your chosen biscuit cutters to cut out shapes.
   • Arrange the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one to allow for expansion.

4. Bake The Biscuits

   • Bake your biscuits in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as this could affect their texture.

5. Cool Completely

   • Once the biscuits are baked, transfer them to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before decorating. This is crucial, as decorating warm biscuits will cause the icing to melt.

6. Make Royal Icing

   • In a bowl, combine the royal icing sugar with a small amount of lemon juice or water. Mix until the icing is smooth and reaches a thick but pipeable consistency. If the icing is too runny, add a little more icing sugar to thicken it.
   • Divide the icing into separate bowls if you want to use multiple colors, adding a few drops of food coloring to each one.

7. Decorate The Biscuits

   • Transfer the icing into piping bags, then pipe your desired patterns onto the cooled biscuits. You can create intricate designs or just a simple layer of icing, depending on your preferences.
   • Allow the decorated biscuits to set for a few hours, so the royal icing hardens completely.

Expert Tips

1. Use Fresh Butter – For the best flavor, always use fresh unsalted butter. Room temperature butter works best for creaming, giving you a light and fluffy dough.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough – When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Over-mixing can lead to tough biscuits. Once the dough comes together, stop mixing.

3. Chill the Dough Well – Don’t skip the chilling step. Chilled dough is easier to roll out and helps the biscuits keep their shape during baking.

4. Watch the Baking Time – Keep a close eye on your biscuits in the oven. They can go from perfectly golden to overbaked in just a few minutes.

5. Let the Icing Set – Give your biscuits plenty of time to dry after decorating, as the royal icing hardens and sets best if left untouched for several hours.

Mary Berry’s iced biscuits are not only a delightful treat for your tastebuds but also a canvas for your creativity. The combination of simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and room for artistic expression in the decoration process makes them a perfect baking project for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or simply because you enjoy homemade treats, these biscuits are sure to impress. By following expert tips and taking your time with each step, you’ll create a batch of perfectly baked, beautifully iced biscuits that taste just as good as they look.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits

Mary Berry’s iced biscuits are a timeless treat, known for their delicate, buttery texture and the delightful sweetness of the icing. However, like most classic recipes, they offer plenty of room for variation. You can easily experiment with flavors, colors, and shapes to create a personalized twist on this traditional favorite.

1. Flavor Variations For The Biscuit Dough

   • Lemon Zest: A popular addition to the dough, lemon zest brightens the flavor, giving the biscuits a refreshing tang that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the icing.
   • Vanilla: Although Mary Berry’s original recipe is typically a simple vanilla-flavored dough, you can elevate the flavor with different extracts like almond or hazelnut for a subtle nutty note.
   • Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the dough, making these biscuits ideal for cozy winter gatherings or holiday events.
   • Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey twist, incorporate a small amount of cocoa powder into the dough. This creates a richer biscuit base, which pairs wonderfully with a white icing drizzle.

2. Icing Variations

   • Flavored Icing: The icing itself can be easily adapted to match different flavors. Add a drop of lemon juice for a citrusy burst, or mix in a bit of strawberry puree for a fruity alternative. You can even use coffee or chocolate extract for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor profile.
   • Colored Icing: If you’re making these biscuits for a special occasion like Easter or Christmas, consider using food coloring to create vibrant, festive designs. You can tint the icing in soft pastel shades or go bold with striking reds, greens, and blues.
   • Royal Icing: For a more intricate and polished finish, swap out simple icing for royal icing. Royal icing gives a hard, glossy finish that is perfect for piping elaborate designs, making these biscuits ideal for a more professional-looking treat.

3. Shape Variations

   • Seasonal Shapes: While traditional iced biscuits are often round or square, you can use cookie cutters to shape your biscuits into seasonal designs like hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins for Halloween, or stars for Christmas. This adds a fun and personalized touch to any gathering.
   • Miniature Biscuits: Instead of making large biscuits, you can create bite-sized versions, perfect for snacking or serving at a party. Mini iced biscuits are also a great option for tea parties or picnics.

By incorporating these simple variations, Mary Berry’s iced biscuits can be easily adapted to suit any occasion or personal taste. Whether you prefer them with a citrusy twist or a chocolaty finish, the recipe remains flexible and endlessly customizable.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

After a baking session, it’s essential to know how to properly store your iced biscuits to maintain their freshness and texture. Iced biscuits can be quite delicate, so proper storage will help keep them tasting as good as the moment they were made.

1. Let the Biscuits Cool Completely: Before storing your iced biscuits, ensure they have cooled entirely. Storing biscuits while they’re still warm can cause condensation, which will make the icing soft and runny. Once they have cooled to room temperature, they will hold their shape and texture better.

2. Use Airtight Containers: The best way to keep your biscuits fresh is to place them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from getting in and making the biscuits soggy. You can stack the biscuits in layers, but be sure to place a piece of wax paper or parchment between layers to avoid the icing sticking to the biscuits above it.

3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: To preserve the crispness of the biscuit base and the integrity of the icing, store your container in a cool, dry place. A cupboard or pantry away from direct sunlight is ideal. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as the cold can make the icing lose its smooth texture and potentially cause the biscuits to become hard.

4. Freezing for Longer Storage: If you’ve made a large batch of iced biscuits and want to store them for a longer period, freezing is an option. Place the biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. This method helps preserve the flavor and texture for up to a month.

5. Avoid Storing Biscuits with Icing for Too Long: While it’s tempting to keep leftovers around for days, remember that the quality of the icing may degrade over time. Icing can lose its crispness and gloss after a few days, so it’s best to enjoy these biscuits within 3-4 days of baking for optimal freshness.

By following these best practices, you’ll ensure that your iced biscuits stay fresh and enjoyable long after they’ve come out of the oven.

What Goes Well With Iced Biscuits

Iced biscuits, with their sweet and buttery flavor, pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and accompaniments. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or as part of a larger meal, these biscuits can complement a range of flavors.

1. Hot Beverages

   • Tea: A classic pairing with iced biscuits is a nice cup of tea. Whether you prefer Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, the slight sweetness of the iced biscuits pairs beautifully with the aromatic qualities of the tea.
   • Coffee: If you’re more of a coffee drinker, iced biscuits also go well with a steaming cup of coffee. The rich, slightly bitter flavor of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the biscuits, creating a balanced and enjoyable snack.
   • Hot Chocolate: For those with a sweet tooth, pairing iced biscuits with hot chocolate is an indulgent treat. This combination is especially comforting during cold weather and can be a fun option for a cozy afternoon.

2. Fruits

   • Fresh Berries: The lightness of the biscuit dough and the sweetness of the icing are beautifully complemented by the tartness of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. These fruits add a fresh, juicy contrast to the rich and sugary treat.
   • Citrus Slices: If you’ve flavored your biscuits with lemon or orange zest, a few slices of the same fruit can enhance the overall citrusy notes, providing a zesty, refreshing element to your snack.

3. Cheese

   • Soft Cheese: For a slightly savory twist, pairing your iced biscuits with a soft cheese like cream cheese or mascarpone creates a delightful contrast. The creamy texture of the cheese balances out the sweetness of the biscuit, making it a great option for an afternoon tea or a brunch spread.
   • Brie or Camembert: If you enjoy richer cheeses, a small wedge of brie or camembert adds a creamy, buttery note that pairs well with the light, sweet flavor of the biscuits.

4. Nuts

   • Almonds or Hazelnuts: A handful of roasted almonds or hazelnuts can complement the texture of the biscuits. The nuttiness adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, making for a more sophisticated snack pairing.

5. Ice Cream: For a dessert that takes it up a notch, serve your iced biscuits with a scoop of ice cream. Vanilla, strawberry, or even chocolate ice cream pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the biscuit, creating a delightful contrast in both texture and temperature.

These pairings elevate your iced biscuit experience, whether you’re indulging in a solo treat or offering them as part of a dessert spread at a gathering.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s iced biscuits are a versatile and delicious treat that can be tailored to suit various tastes and occasions. From experimenting with different dough and icing flavors to incorporating unique shapes and color schemes, the possibilities are endless.

Proper storage is key to ensuring that your biscuits stay fresh and retain their signature texture, and by pairing them with complementary beverages, fruits, or even savory options like cheese, you can enhance the overall experience. Whether you’re serving them at a special event, enjoying them with a cup of tea, or simply savoring them as a sweet snack, iced biscuits are a timeless favorite that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits Recipe?

The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s iced biscuits include plain flour, butter, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. For the icing, you will need icing sugar, water, and food coloring if desired.

How Do I Make The Biscuit Dough For Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits?

To make the dough, you first cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, followed by the sifted flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together, and then wrap it in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits?

Mary Berry’s iced biscuits recipe is best with plain flour for a light and crisp texture. While you can experiment with other types of flour like self-raising or whole wheat, it may alter the texture and the outcome of the biscuits.

How Thick Should The Dough Be When Rolling It Out For Iced Biscuits?

Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 5mm (1/4 inch) for the best results. This allows the biscuits to bake evenly and hold their shape when iced.

What Is The Ideal Temperature For Baking Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits?

The ideal baking temperature for these iced biscuits is 170°C (340°F) for fan-assisted ovens, or 180°C (350°F) for conventional ovens. Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.

How Do I Make The Icing For Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits?

To make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a bowl and add a few teaspoons of water until you get a thick but spreadable consistency. If you want to color the icing, divide it into separate bowls and add food coloring to each.

Can I Use Royal Icing Instead Of Regular Icing For Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits?

Yes, you can use royal icing instead of regular icing for a firmer finish and a glossy appearance. Royal icing typically requires egg whites or meringue powder, and it dries harder than regular icing.

How Can I Decorate Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits?

Once the biscuits are baked and cooled, use a spoon or a piping bag to spread or pipe the icing onto the biscuits. You can use sprinkles, edible glitter, or sugar decorations for extra flair.

How Long Do Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits Last?

Mary Berry’s iced biscuits can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’ve used royal icing, they may last even longer, but the icing may lose some of its texture over time.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Iced Biscuits?

Yes, you can freeze the baked but undecorated biscuits. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Decorate with icing once they have thawed to room temperature.