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Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe

Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe

If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, this Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe is a must-try. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these classic biscuits have a rich buttery flavor and a delicate crumbly texture that makes them perfect for tea time, holiday baking, or everyday snacking.
Unlike many cookie recipes that require complicated techniques, shortcrust pastry biscuits are easy to prepare and ideal for beginner bakers. The dough comes together quickly, can be shaped into a variety of designs, and bakes into beautifully golden biscuits with crisp edges and a tender center.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 130
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Biscuit Dough
  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
  • 1 cup 225g cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tablespoons cold water
  • Pinch of salt
Optional Decorations
  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted chocolate
  • Colored sprinkles
  • Jam filling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie cutters
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
    Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe
Step 2: Rub in the Butter
  1. Add the cold butter cubes.
    Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe
  2. Rub the butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Form the Dough
  1. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and cold water.
    Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe
  2. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
  3. Avoid overworking the dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
  1. Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap.
    Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe
  2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe
  2. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes.
  4. Place the biscuits on a lined baking tray.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
    Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe
  2. Allow the biscuits to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
  3. Serve plain or decorate as desired.

Video

Notes

This Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits Recipe is a timeless classic that delivers rich, buttery flavor and a perfectly crumbly texture with every bite. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, these biscuits are ideal for afternoon tea, holiday baking, gifting, or everyday snacking.
Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or filled with jam, these homemade biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.