If you’re looking for an easy biscuit recipe that delivers great flavour with minimal effort, these vanilla fork biscuits are a great choice.
The egg-free biscuits are made with just 4 common pantry ingredients and bake in under 20 minutes!
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Fork biscuits are a type of biscuit characterised by their unique shape, created by flattening dough balls with the tines of a fork.
This technique not only gives them a distinctive look but also helps ensure even baking.
👩🍳 Love baking? Try these easy biscuit recipes next!
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Recipe
Vanilla Fork Biscuits
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We'll email you this post for easy access later! You'll also join the Effortless Foodie mailing list and receive my popular 'No Bake Bars and Slices' eBook for free!
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Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Tray
- Baking Paper
Ingredients
- 100 g Butter softened
- 60 g Golden Caster Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 150 g Self Raising Flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 ℃ (160 °fan/ Gas 4) and line 1 large baking tray with baking paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract and sugar in a large bowl with a wooden spoon until pale and fluffy.100 g Butter, 60 g Golden Caster Sugar, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Add the self raising flour and mix until combined.150 g Self Raising Flour
- Roll the dough into 16 equal size balls (walnut size) and place on the lined baking sheet, leaving enough room for the biscuits to spread slightly.
- Flatten each biscuit gently with a fork leaving a fork mark.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
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- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
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- To prevent the fork from sticking, dip it in flour before flattening the biscuits.
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- If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before shaping.
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- Use a cookie scoop or weigh the dough balls to ensure uniform size for even baking. You should get about 16 small biscuits.
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- Keep an eye on the biscuits in the oven; they should be lightly golden around the edges but not overly browned.
✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
- Easily add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a personal touch.
- Simple ingredients and steps make these biscuits a fast treat.
- Freezer friendly and great for batch cooking.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Butter - unsalted butter at room temperature.
Sugar - golden caster sugar or white caster sugar.
Self Raising Flour - or use plain flour with a teaspoon of baking powder added.
Vanilla Extract - for added flavour.
🔪 Instructions
- Step One: Cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract and sugar in a large bowl with a wooden spoon until pale and fluffy.
- Step Two: Add the self raising flour and mix until combined.
- Step Three: Roll the dough into 16 equal size balls (walnut size) and place on a lined baking sheet leaving enough room for the biscuits to spread slightly.
- Step Four: Flatten each biscuit gently with a fork leaving a fork mark. Bake in a preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Top Tips
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
- To prevent the fork from sticking, dip it in flour before flattening the biscuits.
- If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before shaping.
- Use a cookie scoop or weigh the dough balls to ensure uniform size for even baking. You should get about 16 small biscuits.
- Keep an eye on the biscuits in the oven; they should be lightly golden around the edges but not overly browned.
🍴 Serving suggestions
Shortbread style fork biscuits are an ideal choice for afternoon tea or a quick after-school snack. Their simple flavour pairs well with tea or coffee, and they’re perfect for kids looking for a tasty treat. Enjoy them plain or with a spread of jam!
📖 Variations
- Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
- Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavour.
- Mix in some lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a warming spice flavour.
- Fold in desiccated coconut for a chewy texture and tropical taste.
- Include raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for a fruity variation.
- You might also like my air fryer mini egg shortbread recipe!
🥡 Storage
Storage - Keep baked fork biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their freshness and texture.
Freezing - For longer storage, you can freeze the biscuits. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavour and texture may differ slightly. For best results, use a block margarine rather than a spreadable one.
The biscuits should be lightly golden around the edges. A gentle touch should indicate they are firm but not hard.
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Shape it into balls, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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