Description
Experience a taste of Victorian England with these Decadent Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes. Soft, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar to create a charming ‘London fog’ effect, these tea cakes are perfect for your next afternoon tea or a cozy treat with friends. Easy to prepare and bake, they combine classic flavors with a delightful, flaky texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed) (Ensure it’s cold for a flaky texture.)
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (Swap with plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Finishing
- Powdered Sugar for dusting (Creates the ‘London fog’ effect.)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining. This ensures a flaky texture.
- Add wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, beat the egg lightly then stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cakes tender.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Using a knife or a cutter, cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Transfer the pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tea cakes are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and dust: Remove the tea cakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Once warm, dust generously with powdered sugar to create the iconic ‘London fog’ appearance.
- Serve: Enjoy these decadent tea cakes as they are, or pair them with your favorite tea for a fully immersive Sherlock Holmes-inspired teatime experience.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is cold for a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough tea cakes.
- For a gluten-free variant, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free option: substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Store baked tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked tea cakes and thaw before serving.
