Spicy Fruit Biscuits are delightful treats with a combination of warm spices and rich mincemeat. These buttery biscuits are perfect for enjoying during the festive season or as a comforting treat any time of the year. The aromatic flavors of mixed spice and ground ginger, combined with the sweetness of mincemeat, create a deliciously spiced biscuit.
Preparing Spicy Fruit Biscuits is a straightforward process. Butter and brown sugar are creamed together until light and fluffy. Vanilla essence and an egg are added to the mixture, followed by sifted flour, mixed spice, ground ginger, and baking powder. The dough is then divided, rolled out into rectangles, and spread with mincemeat. The dough is rolled up like a Swiss roll, sliced into rounds, and baked until golden. After cooling on the trays, the biscuits are transferred to a wire rack to cool completely.
INGREDIENTS:
- 175g/6oz butter, softened
- 175g/6oz brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 egg
- 250g/9oz plain flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 100g/4oz mincemeat
PREPARATION:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Line two baking trays with baking parchment.
- Using a hand-held mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together in a small bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla essence and egg to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, and add the sifted plain flour, mixed spice, ground ginger, and baking powder.
- Using a knife, mix the ingredients together to form a soft dough. Gather the dough together and divide it into two equal portions.
- Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle about 3mm/1/8in thick. Trim the edges if needed. Repeat with the other portion of the dough. Chill both rectangles until just firm.
- Spread each dough rectangle with mincemeat, covering the surface evenly.
- Roll up each dough rectangle like a Swiss roll, starting from one of the longer sides.
- Cut the rolled dough into slices about 1cm/1/2in thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking trays, leaving space between each slice for spreading.
- Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Allow the biscuits to cool on the trays for 3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
YIELD:
This recipe serves 10-12, depending on the size of the biscuits.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure that the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar for a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Chill the rolled dough rectangles until just firm before spreading with mincemeat. This will make it easier to handle and maintain their shape during slicing.
- Leave space between the slices on the baking trays to allow for spreading during baking.
TIPS:
- Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for additional flavor variations.
- Dust the baked biscuits with icing sugar for a festive touch.
- Serve the Spicy Fruit Biscuits with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Spicy Fruit Biscuits are delicious treats with a perfect balance of warm spices and sweet mincemeat. These biscuits are ideal for enjoying during the festive season or as a delightful treat any time of the year. The combination of mixed spice and ground ginger adds a delightful aroma and flavor, while the buttery biscuit base provides a satisfying texture.
Making Spicy Fruit Biscuits involves creaming together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Vanilla essence and an egg are added to the mixture, followed by sifted plain flour, mixed spice, ground ginger, and baking powder. The dough is divided, rolled out, spread with mincemeat, rolled up, and sliced into rounds. The biscuits are then baked until golden brown.
Once baked, the biscuits are cooled on the trays before being transferred to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these Spicy Fruit Biscuits with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate for a comforting and delicious treat.
