Mary Berry’s Fork Biscuits are a classic British treat that everyone should have in their baking repertoire. These buttery, crisp biscuits are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply as a sweet snack any time of day.
What sets these biscuits apart is their unique texture and appearance. Before baking, each biscuit is pricked with a fork, creating a pretty pattern on top and helping them bake evenly. The result is a biscuit that’s delightfully crisp and crumbly, with a satisfying snap when you bite into it.
Making these fork biscuits is a breeze, even for novice bakers. With Mary Berry’s straightforward recipe and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be pulling a batch of these tempting treats out of the oven in no time.
So, preheat your oven, grab your fork, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 20 biscuits
What are Mary Berry Fork Biscuits?
Mary Berry’s Fork Biscuits are a traditional British biscuit that’s known for its simplicity and delightful texture. These biscuits are made with just a few basic ingredients, including butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. What sets them apart is the signature fork imprint on top of each biscuit, which serves both as a decorative element and a practical way to ensure even baking.
These biscuits are crisp and crumbly, with a rich, buttery flavor that’s perfectly balanced by a hint of sweetness. They’re the ideal accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee, but they’re also delicious on their own as a simple, satisfying snack.
Mary Berry Fork Biscuits Ingredients
To make these fork biscuits, you’ll need:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 50g caster sugar
- 150g plain flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps to Make Mary Berry Fork Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and stir to combine.
- Sift the plain flour into the bowl and mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each biscuit.
- Using a fork, gently press down on each biscuit to flatten it slightly and create a criss-cross pattern on top.
- Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes approximately 20 fork biscuits. Here’s the estimated nutritional information per biscuit:
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of your biscuits.
Why You’ll Love Mary Berry Fork Biscuits
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these simple, yet delightful biscuits:
- They’re incredibly easy to make, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
- The fork imprint on top gives them a charming, homemade look that’s perfect for casual gatherings or afternoon tea.
- They have a wonderful texture that’s crisp, crumbly, and oh-so-satisfying.
- The buttery, vanilla-infused flavor is hard to resist, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tips for Perfect Fork Biscuits
To ensure your fork biscuits turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help you achieve a light, fluffy texture when creaming the butter and sugar together.
- Don’t overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains.
- Be gentle when pressing the fork into the biscuits. You want to create a nice pattern without flattening them too much.
- Watch the biscuits closely as they bake, as they can go from perfectly golden to overbaked quite quickly.
Storing Your Fork Biscuits
Once your fork biscuits have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, although they’re so delicious, they might not last that long!
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Fork Biscuits are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delightful. With their crisp, buttery texture and charming fork imprint, these biscuits are the perfect treat to whip up when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply on their own, these classic British biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, grab your fork and give this easy recipe a try–you won’t be disappointed!