The moment I caught a whiff of freshly baked currant biscuits wafting from my oven, I was transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet scent of spices mingled with the warmth of family gatherings. There’s something irresistible about the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery goodness that beckons you to indulge.
I discovered this delightful treat on a rainy afternoon while searching for a way to elevate my usual biscuit game. You know those days when you crave something comforting, yet a little special? This is the perfect solution! These currant biscuits, with their luxuriously smooth white chocolate icing, are not just easy to whip up but also bring a pop of cheerful color and flavor to any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering with friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, these biscuits promise to impress. Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe that’s bound to make your kitchen the heart of your home.
Why are Coffee Scroll Biscuits a must-try?
Simplicity at its finest: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll whip up these delicious biscuits in no time.
Warm, comforting flavors: Each bite is infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, reminiscent of homey family gatherings.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these cookies will delight friends and family alike.
Versatile treat: Enjoy them at breakfast, brunch, or with your afternoon tea.
Elegant touch: The white chocolate icing adds a lovely finishing touch that elevates any occasion.
Time-efficient: With only a 30-minute prep time, you can have fresh biscuits ready in no time! For more delightful baked goods, be sure to check out my Coffee Scroll Biscuits recipe!
Currant Biscuit Ingredients
• Discover the essential components for irresistible currant biscuits.
For the Biscuit Dough
- Plain flour / all-purpose flour – This creates a tender base for the biscuits; no substitutions needed!
- Baking powder – Helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
- Butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture; for a lighter option, try using coconut oil.
- Brown sugar – Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness; you can substitute with white sugar for a lighter flavor.
- Egg, lightly whisked – Essential for binding the ingredients together; can replace with a flax egg for a vegan option!
- Currants – These tiny gems provide natural sweetness and texture; raisins or chopped dried cranberries work well as a substitute.
- Vanilla essence – Enhances the overall flavor profile; feel free to use almond extract for a twist.
- Cinnamon – Infuses a cozy warmth into the biscuits; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Allspice – Adds a hint of depth and complexity; can be replaced with a mix of nutmeg and cloves.
- Nutmeg – This aromatic spice perfectly complements the other flavors; a pinch adds just the right touch.
For the Icing
- White melting chocolate buds – Delivers a sweet, creamy finish to the biscuits; dark chocolate can be used for a richer flavor.
- Red food dye – Adds a playful pop of color to your icing; completely optional if you prefer a natural look.
How to Make Currant Biscuits
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes, allowing air to incorporate for a delightful texture.
- Incorporate the lightly whisked egg by switching the mixer to low speed. Mix until combined, which will help bind the ingredients together beautifully.
- Combine the plain flour and baking powder into the butter mixture and continue to mix on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed until everything is just combined, creating a smooth dough.
- Fold in the currants gently, then transfer the bowl to the fridge. Wrap it in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) while waiting for the dough to chill, ensuring it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a piece of baking paper until it’s about ½ cm (¼ inch) thick. Use a round cutter to shape circles around 5-6 cm (2 ¼ inches) wide for the biscuits.
- Indent the tops of the biscuits slightly with a smaller cutter, ensuring to dust the tops with flour to prevent sticking. This little touch makes all the difference in presentation!
- Transfer the biscuits to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the edges. Allow them to cool completely prior to icing.
- Melt the white chocolate buds in a microwave-safe bowl in short 30-second bursts. Stir between each session until melted, creating a smooth and creamy icing consistency.
- Add 3-6 drops of red food dye to the melted white chocolate and mix well. This will give your icing a cheerful hue, perfect for festive occasions!
- Decorate the cooled biscuits by piping or spooning the icing onto them in small circles, being careful not to go all the way to the edge for a neat finish.
Optional: Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for an indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Currant Biscuits with White Chocolate Icing?
Indulge in a delightful meal that beautifully complements the sweet and spiced flavors of your currant biscuits.
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Fresh Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the biscuits, creating a cozy pairing that warms the heart.
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Chai Tea: With hints of cinnamon and spices, chai tea echoes the flavors in the biscuits, making every sip a comforting experience.
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Citrus Fruit Salad: The bright and tangy notes from fresh oranges and grapefruits provide a refreshing counterbalance to the sweetness of the icing.
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Yogurt Parfaits: Layered with berries and granola, these parfaits add creamy texture and a crunch that nicely contrasts with the soft biscuits.
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Ice Cream Sundaes: Bring on the nostalgia! A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce makes an indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
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Nutty Trail Mix: Snack on a handful of roasted nuts and dried fruits for a wholesome, crunchy side that complements the softness of the biscuits.
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Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a cup of rich hot chocolate, perfect for enveloping your taste buds and making the biscuits even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead Options
These Currant Biscuits are perfect for making ahead, making your life easier during busy weeks! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until you fold in the currants, then wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the dough fresh. Moreover, once the biscuits are baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. When you’re ready to enjoy, just melt the icing and decorate right before serving for that delightful, fresh-from-the-oven taste. Enjoy the comforting aroma of homemade biscuits while saving time!
Coffee Scroll Biscuits Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your currant biscuits with these delicious twists!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version. This swap maintains the biscuits’ rich flavor.
- Fruity Boost: Swap currants for dried apricots or figs for a unique and sweet bite that adds a new fruity dimension to your biscuits.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these biscuits accessible for those avoiding gluten. They are just as delightful!
- Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the biscuits.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the dough for a surprising hint of heat that balances the sweetness.
- Zesty Twist: Mix in some lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus note, brightening your biscuits and adding a delightful aromatic touch.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Fold in mini chocolate chips along with the currants for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for an aromatic twist, providing a savory depth to these otherwise sweet biscuits.
How to Store and Freeze Currant Biscuits
Room Temperature: Keep the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their delightful freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their life, store the biscuits in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they remain tightly wrapped or in a sealed container.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled biscuits for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen biscuits in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, bringing back their delightful flavors and soft texture.
Expert Tips for Currant Biscuits
Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps the biscuits hold their shape and enhances flavor as they rest.
Proper Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. This can lead to tough biscuits instead of the tender texture we aim for.
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Their vibrant essences elevate your Currant Biscuits significantly!
Check Doneness: Keep a close eye on your biscuits while baking. Remove them when they start to turn golden brown for the perfect balance of crisp and soft.
Indention Trick: Before baking, lightly flour the smaller cutter when making indentations to prevent sticking and ensure clean, beautiful shapes.
Icing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or colors in your white chocolate icing. This adds a fun twist to your Currant Biscuits for any occasion!
Currant Biscuits with White Chocolate Icing Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right currants?
Absolutely! When selecting currants, look for plump, shiny ones without any dark spots or signs of drying out. Fresh currants should feel slightly sticky—this means they’re full of flavor and moisture! If you can’t find currants, raisins or chopped dried cranberries can be lovely alternatives.
What’s the best way to store leftover biscuits?
Very! To keep your biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you notice they’re starting to become stale, a quick tip is to place a slice of bread inside the container; it helps maintain moisture! For extended freshness, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze currant biscuits, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your delightful biscuits, allow them to cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-15 minutes.
What if my biscuits turn out too hard?
Oh no! If your biscuits are too hard, it likely means they were overbaked or overmixed. Always keep an eye on them in the oven and remove them once they’re just golden. For a tender biscuit, try to mix the dough only until just combined after adding the flour. Remember, cooling them on a wire rack will also help maintain their texture!
Are these biscuits suitable for pets?
Not at all! While currants are delicious for humans, they are toxic to dogs and should never be given to them. Make sure to keep your biscuits well out of their reach. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider baking some simple, plain biscuits made with oat flour and pumpkin puree instead!
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the icing?
Of course! If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to substitute white chocolate with dark chocolate. Just make sure to melt it in the same manner—30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between—until fully melted. The rich bittersweet taste of dark chocolate will add a wonderful depth to your biscuits!
Delicious Coffee Scroll Biscuits for Your Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the lightly whisked egg at low speed until combined.
- Combine the plain flour and baking powder into the butter mixture at low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the currants gently and chill the mixture in the fridge wrapped in cling film for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough on baking paper until about ½ cm thick. Use a round cutter to shape circles about 5-6 cm wide.
- Indent the tops of the biscuits slightly with a smaller cutter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Transfer biscuits to a lined baking tray and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Melt white chocolate buds in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts until smooth.
- Add red food dye to melted chocolate and mix well.
- Decorate cooled biscuits with icing, ensuring not to go all the way to the edge.