๐ช Assorted Butter Cookies (Tea-Time Tin Cookies)
These are classic bakery-style butter cookies โ crisp on the edges, tender inside, perfect for gifting or tea time.
๐งพ Ingredients
- 250 g butter (soft, room temperature)
- 1 cup (200 g) caster sugar or icing sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 3 cups (375 g) cake flour
- ยฝ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional flavours & decorations
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate cookies)
- Red/yellow food colouring
- Jam, chocolate buttons, sprinkles
- Melted chocolate for dipping
๐ฉ๐ฝโ๐ณ Step-by-Step Method
1๏ธโฃ Cream the butter
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale, fluffy, and creamy (3โ4 minutes).
2๏ธโฃ Add egg & flavour
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
3๏ธโฃ Mix dry ingredients
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
4๏ธโฃ Divide & flavour
- Divide dough into portions:
- Add cocoa powder to one portion for chocolate cookies
- Add food colouring to others if desired
5๏ธโฃ Shape the cookies
- Roll into balls, flatten with a fork, or pipe using a star nozzle.
- Decorate with jam, chocolate, or patterns.
6๏ธโฃ Chill (important!)
- Chill shaped cookies for 20โ30 minutes to keep their shape.
7๏ธโฃ Bake
- Bake at 170ยฐC (fan) / 180ยฐC for 12โ15 minutes
- Edges should be lightly golden (do not overbake).
8๏ธโฃ Cool & decorate
- Cool completely.
- Dip in melted chocolate or drizzle if desired.
๐ซ Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks
- Perfect for cookie tins, gifts, or selling
๐ฅฏ Golden Homemade Scones (Soft & Fluffy)
These are classic South African bakery scones โ golden outside, fluffy inside.
๐งพ Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) cake flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ยฝ tsp salt
- ยฝ cup (125 g) cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 egg or milk for brushing
๐ฉ๐ฝโ๐ณ Step-by-Step Method
1๏ธโฃ Preheat oven
- Preheat to 200ยฐC
- Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2๏ธโฃ Mix dry ingredients
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3๏ธโฃ Rub in butter
- Rub cold butter into flour using fingertips until it looks like breadcrumbs.
4๏ธโฃ Add liquids
- Whisk milk and egg together.
- Pour into dry mixture and mix gently to form a soft dough (do not overmix).
5๏ธโฃ Shape dough
- Turn onto a floured surface.
- Gently pat to about 2โ3 cm thick.
- Cut using a round cutter (do not twist).
6๏ธโฃ Bake
- Place close together on tray.
- Brush tops with milk or egg.
- Bake for 12โ15 minutes until golden and risen.
๐ง Serve With
- Butter & jam
- Cheese
- Whipped cream
- Enjoy warm โ๐งก
๐ก Pro Tips (Bakery Style)
- Cold butter = fluffier scones
- Soft dough = tender cookies
- Do not overbake either item
- Perfect for home baking businesses, events, and gifting