English Tea Cakes

For the book: Jane Eyre

we used this recipe at Culinary Ginger. These tea cakes were simple, slightly sweet, and went very well with some butter and British breakfast tea!

Ingredients

  •  1 cup milk warmed to 100 – 110 °F
  •  2 teaspoons instant dried yeast
  •  4 tablespoons sugar
  •  3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  •  1 teaspoon salt
  •  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  •  1 teaspoon all spice
  •  ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  •  1 cup dried currants
  •  6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  •  2 large eggs, beaten
  •  2 tablespoons milk (for brushing the tops of the buns)

Instructions

  1. Line one large or two medium non-stick baking sheets or use a regular sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add the milk to a bowl and stir in the yeast and sugar. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes (maybe more) until you start to see it bubble a little.
  3. To a mixing bowl add the flour, salt, spices and currants. Mix well. Make a well in the center, add the milk and yeast, butter and beaten eggs. Use a spoon and stir to incorporate the liquids into the flour. When the dough comes together, use your hands to make the dough to a large ball. It will be sticky. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel and leave in a warm place for about 45 mins to rise.
  5. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly for a few minutes until smooth. Divide the dough into 12 balls and shape each into a bun that is a flat round.
  6. Place evenly spaced onto the baking sheet and cover loosely with a towel. Leave in a warm place for 30 minutes until they double in size.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  8. Brush the tops of the buns with the milk. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown

Enjoy!