Sweet, mildly spiced biscuits with raisins and a traditional cross marked on top. This easy soul cakes recipe takes just 25 minutes and is perfect for Halloween, All Souls’ Day or an afternoon treat.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160 fan/ Gas 4/ 350F) and line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper.
Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. I do this by hand but feel free to use an electric mixer if you prefer.
175 g Butter, 175 g Golden Caster Sugar (Superfine sugar)
Beat in the egg yolks.
3 Egg Yolks
Stir in the flour, mixed spice, allspice and raisins.
420 g Plain Flour (All-purpose flour), 1½ tsp Mixed Spice, ¼ tsp Allspice, 50 g Raisins
Add just enough milk to bring the dough together by hand. Add 1 tablespoon at a time so you don't accidentally add too much in one go. You want the dough to come together easily with your hands but not be too soft or sticky.
2 tbsp Milk
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to the thickness of 2 £1 coins and use a 5cm fluted cookie cutter to stamp out the rounds. Carefully place the biscuits on the lined baking trays and mark a cross on each with a knife.
Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes until lightly golden. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Notes
Dough consistency: Add the milk gradually; you may not need the full two tablespoons.Transferring the biscuits: Use a palette knife or flat spatula to lift the uncooked rounds onto the trays.Variations: Substitute currants for raisins, add the finely grated zest of one orange, or replace the allspice with an extra ¼ teaspoon of mixed spice.Storage: Keep the cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Freezing: Freeze the cooled biscuits for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.