Mary berry walnut and poppy seed biscuits
Mary berry walnut and poppy seed biscuits are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. The combination of crunchy walnuts and subtle poppy seeds makes for a delicious, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch of buttery, crumbly biscuits that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why people also love Mary berry walnut and poppy seed biscuits
People also love Mary Berry’s walnut and poppy seed biscuits for many reasons. The biscuits have a wonderful texture that’s not too hard or soft, so they are perfect for dunking in tea or coffee. The combination of the nutty walnuts and delicate poppy seeds add great flavor and crunch. Plus, they are easy and quick to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time! These biscuits are perfect for an afternoon snack or to enjoy with friends and family over a relaxing cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 55g caster sugar
- 180g plain flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C Fan/180°C/Gas 4.
- In a big bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix again.
- Fold in the plain flour, chopped walnuts, and poppy seeds until well combined. The mixture may look crumbly at first but it will come together as you mix.
- Pour the mixture onto a floured surface and gently knead it until smooth.
- Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1cm and use a cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
- Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
- After this,Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: Approximately 16 biscuits
Serving suggestions: These biscuits are perfect for an afternoon tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to any dessert table or as a sweet snack for any occasion.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
- Make sure your butter is softened before you begin to make the biscuit dough.
- Kneading the dough lightly will help bring it together and prevent it from being too crumbly.
- For extra crunch, you can toast the walnuts in the oven for a few minutes before chopping them and adding them into the dough.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
Nutrition information:
Each biscuit contains approximately 115 calories, 7g fat, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g protein.
Presentation:
These biscuits can be presented in a variety of ways, such as on a decorative plate or in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. You can even tie a ribbon around the basket or plate for an extra special touch. Serve these biscuits alongside a pot of hot tea or coffee for a classic British treat that’s sure to impress your guests!
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry walnut and poppy seed biscuits recipe
Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Add in some chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent treat.
- Lemon zest: For a zesty twist, add in the zest of 1 lemon to the biscuit dough.
- Almond extract: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nuttier flavor.
Substitutions:
- Sugar substitute: You can use your preferred sugar substitute in place of the caster sugar.
- Flour alternative: For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or another gluten-free flour.
- Other nuts and seeds: If you don’t have walnuts or poppy seeds on hand, you can substitute them for other nuts or seeds such as almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
Recommendations and notices:
Recommendations:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Make sure your butter is softened before beginning to make the biscuit dough.
- Soft butter mixes better with the other ingredients.
- Roll out the biscuit dough to a uniform thickness to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking tray. Leave enough space between the biscuits to allow them to expand while cooking.
Notices:
- Be careful not to overwork the dough when kneading it, or the biscuits may become tough.
- Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will be delicate when hot and may break if moved too soon.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will last up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Be mindful of nut allergies if serving these biscuits to others. You can substitute the walnuts for another type of nut or omit them altogether if needed.
FAQ
Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator until you need it.
You can freeze these biscuits for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer.
The biscuits will be golden brown and firm to the touch when they’re done. You can also check the bottoms of the biscuits to ensure that they’re cooked through.
Yes, you can substitute the poppy seeds for other seeds or nuts, such as sesame seeds or chopped almonds.
This recipe makes approximately 16 biscuits.
It’s recommended to use butter for best results, but margarine can be substituted if needed. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the biscuits.
Yes, you can omit the walnuts if needed. The biscuits will still be delicious with just the poppy seeds.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s walnut and poppy seed biscuits are a classic British treat that are loved by many. With their delicate crunch from the walnuts and poppy seeds, and the crumbly texture, these biscuits pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. The recipe is quick and easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time! They are great for an afternoon snack or to serve at gatherings with friends and family. Try out this recipe and you’ll see why these biscuits have been a beloved classic for generations.
