Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits
In our house, there’s something magical about those late afternoons when the sun is just starting to dip, homework is scattered across the kitchen table, and a batch of something warm and fragrant is baking in the oven. That’s exactly the moment these Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits were born. I was craving something a little different from our usual treats—something bright, tender, and just a touch tropical. Coconut and orange felt like the perfect pairing, and let me tell you, they absolutely were!
The first time I made these biscuits, the kids came running the moment they caught a whiff of that buttery, citrusy scent. They each grabbed one right off the cooling rack (who can blame them?) and slathered them with the honey butter I whipped up on a whim. Watching them devour every crumb was all the confirmation I needed: this recipe was a keeper.
What I love most is how simple they are—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few pantry staples transformed into something truly special. The coconut adds the loveliest chewy texture, and the fresh orange zest brightens up every bite. They feel cozy and indulgent, yet light enough to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a sweet treat for tea time, or just want to make an ordinary afternoon feel a little more special, these Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits will hit the spot every time.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to keep the biscuits from being too sweet.
What’s the best substitute if I don’t have fresh oranges?
You can use bottled orange juice in a pinch, but fresh orange zest makes a big difference in flavor.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! They freeze beautifully. Just warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes before serving.
Do I need a biscuit cutter?
Nope! You can easily drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet for a more rustic look.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
What You Need to Make Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
2/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Honey Butter:
1/2 cup softened butter
2 tablespoons honey
Special Tools:
Mixing bowls
Pastry cutter or two forks
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
How to Make Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the coconut and orange zest.
In a small bowl, mix the milk, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
Optional: While biscuits are baking, whip the butter and honey together for a sweet spread.
Cool slightly before serving with honey butter, if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits
Use very cold butter for the flakiest texture. If it starts to soften while you’re mixing, pop the bowl in the fridge for a few minutes.
Don’t overwork the dough—gentle handling keeps the biscuits light and tender.
Fresh zest is key to that bright citrus flavor. A microplane works beautifully for zesting oranges.
For a crispier top, brush the biscuits with a little milk before baking.
Make it extra special by adding a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweeter twist.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely delicious! My kids loved them, and the honey butter was the perfect touch.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were so easy to make, and they smelled amazing while baking. Definitely a new favorite!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really good! I might add a little more orange zest next time for an even bolder flavor.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for our Sunday brunch! Everyone asked for the recipe.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the texture. They’re a bit sweeter than I expected but still wonderful with tea.”
Printable Recipe
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Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits
Bright, buttery, and tender, these Coconut Orange Tea Biscuits are the perfect addition to your afternoon tea or weekend brunch. Lightly sweet with a hint of citrus and a touch of coconut, they’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible, especially when served with homemade honey butter!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- /2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Honey Butter:
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Special Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the coconut and orange zest.
- In a small bowl, mix the milk, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
- Optional: While biscuits are baking, whip the butter and honey together for a sweet spread.
- Cool slightly before serving with honey butter, if desired.
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