Strawberry and Cream Biscuits

Strawberry and Cream Biscuits are delightful treats that combine the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries with the rich, creamy taste of white chocolate. These biscuits are perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or as a homemade gift. Their charming pink hue and delectable taste make them a favorite among both children and adults.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 250 grams butter, softened
  • 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2½ cups (375g) plain flour
  • 2 teaspoons strawberry essence
  • Pink food colouring
  • 125 grams white eating chocolate, chopped coarsely

Directions

  1. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthways and scrape out the seeds.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla seeds with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg.
  4. Stir in 2⅓ cups of the sifted flour.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
  6. Divide the dough in half.
  7. Return half the dough to the bowl and stir in the strawberry essence and enough pink food colouring to achieve the desired shade.
  8. Roll out both portions of dough separately between sheets of baking paper to about 5mm thickness.
  9. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.
  10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).
  11. Using a 4cm round cutter, cut out rounds from both doughs.
  12. Place the rounds onto baking paper-lined trays, spacing them about 3cm apart.
  13. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
  14. Cool on trays.
  15. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled biscuits.
  16. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 biscuit):

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Sugar: 8g

Why Strawberry and Cream Biscuits Are So Special

What makes strawberry and cream biscuits so special is the way they combine basic baking ingredients into a delicious and visually striking treat. The traditional biscuit dough is enhanced by the inclusion of fresh strawberry essence and food coloring, giving them a vibrant pink color that instantly catches the eye. The white chocolate drizzle adds a creamy richness that contrasts wonderfully with the slightly sweet flavor of the biscuit itself.

One of the reasons these biscuits are so popular is their versatility. While they are often served at gatherings and afternoon teas, they can also be enjoyed as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The simple ingredients used in the dough make them easy to prepare, yet the addition of the white chocolate and the visually stunning pink hue elevates them to something special.

In addition to their flavor and visual appeal, strawberry and cream biscuits are incredibly easy to make, even for those with limited baking experience. With just a few steps, you can prepare a batch of these biscuits and impress your family and friends with a homemade treat that looks and tastes as though it came from a bakery.

The Role of Ingredients in Strawberry and Cream Biscuits

Each ingredient in the recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture that defines these biscuits. The vanilla bean, for example, is not just used for its fragrance but also adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. The butter is the key to creating a rich, tender texture for the biscuits, ensuring they are soft and crumbly while still holding their shape.

The sugar is another essential ingredient that helps to sweeten the dough while balancing the natural acidity of the strawberries. It also contributes to the biscuits’ golden, slightly crisp edges when baked. The egg serves as a binder, helping to hold the dough together, while the flour provides structure and ensures that the biscuits don’t fall apart during the baking process.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of these biscuits is the addition of strawberry essence and food coloring. These ingredients give the biscuits their signature pink color and add a hint of fruity flavor that pairs wonderfully with the white chocolate drizzle. The food coloring enhances the visual appeal of the biscuits, making them even more enticing and perfect for special occasions like baby showers, birthday parties, or holiday celebrations.

The white chocolate drizzle adds a decadent touch to the biscuits, creating a creamy contrast to the biscuit’s slightly sweet flavor. White chocolate, with its smooth and creamy texture, complements the fruitiness of the strawberries and enhances the overall flavor profile of the biscuits. The drizzle also provides a visually appealing finish, giving each biscuit a touch of elegance.

Strawberry and Cream Biscuits as a Versatile Snack

These biscuits are incredibly versatile, and their flavor pairs well with a variety of beverages and dishes. They can be served as a standalone treat or as part of a larger dessert spread. If you’re hosting an afternoon tea, these biscuits will pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed tea, whether it’s black, green, or herbal. The sweetness of the biscuits balances the bitterness of the tea, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

If you’re looking to serve them as part of a dessert table at a special occasion, these biscuits can be paired with other treats such as fruit tarts, éclairs, or lemon scones. They can also complement savory dishes, offering a sweet contrast to cheese platters or charcuterie boards.

For those who prefer a more substantial snack, strawberry and cream biscuits can be paired with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of fresh fruit and the rich, creamy biscuit creates a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds craving more.

A Great Addition to Holiday or Special Occasions

Strawberry and cream biscuits are the perfect choice for any holiday or special occasion. Their vibrant pink color makes them a festive addition to any dessert table, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas. These biscuits not only taste delicious but also add a pop of color to your celebration.

During the holiday season, they can be packaged in decorative boxes or tins and given as homemade gifts. The combination of strawberry and white chocolate makes them a unique and thoughtful present, perfect for friends, family, or colleagues. You can even add a personal touch by decorating the biscuits with festive icing or sprinkles, making them even more special.

The simplicity of the recipe means that it’s easy to prepare large batches of biscuits for parties or family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a formal event or a casual get-together, these biscuits will be a hit with guests of all ages. Their combination of sweet, fruity flavor and creamy richness ensures that everyone will enjoy them.

Health Considerations and Modifications

While strawberry and cream biscuits are undeniably delicious, they are also quite indulgent, thanks to the butter, sugar, and white chocolate. For those who are conscious of their sugar or calorie intake, there are several modifications you can make to this recipe to suit different dietary needs.

If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe. Alternatively, you can use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate to reduce the overall sweetness and add a slightly more bitter contrast that pairs well with the strawberries.

For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, it’s possible to substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. Plant-based butters and dairy-free chocolate can be used as replacements to make the biscuits suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.

In addition, for those who are watching their gluten intake, you can try substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture of the biscuits may vary slightly, but the result will still be a delicious, gluten-free treat.

Conclusion

Strawberry and cream biscuits are a delightful treat that combines simple ingredients with vibrant flavors, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, an afternoon tea, or a special celebration, these biscuits are sure to impress with their beautiful pink hue, rich flavor, and smooth white chocolate drizzle. The recipe is not only easy to follow but also highly versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on dietary preferences or personal taste.

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