Easy Newfoundland Raisin Tea Buns

If you’ve ever stepped into a Newfoundland kitchen, chances are high you’ve been offered a warm raisin tea bun fresh out of the oven. Lightly sweet, gently buttery, and bursting with chewy raisins, these buns are a staple on the island—served with tea, shared with friends, and remembered fondly as “just like Nan made.”

Whether you’re familiar with them or brand new, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for freezing.

Ingredients

Dry Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Butter & Liquid:

• ¾ cup cold butter, cubed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup evaporated milk (undiluted)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Add-ins:

• 1 to 1½ cups raisins (light or dark—your preference)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Mix
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

2. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry mix using a pastry blender or your fingertips. The texture should resemble coarse crumbs with small butter bits throughout.

3. Add the Raisins
Stir in the raisins and distribute evenly through the flour mixture.

4. Make the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

5. Shape and Cut
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Lightly flour the top and fold the dough over 2–3 times with your hands to bring it together. Roll it to about 1 inch thick and cut out buns with a biscuit cutter or glass.

6. Bake to Perfection
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tea Buns

• Use only real butter—it’s key to getting that flaky, tender texture.
• For ultra-fluffy buns, chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking.
• If your raisins are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
• Want a crispier top? Brush the buns with a little milk before baking.
• These freeze beautifully. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Serving Size and Time

Yield: About 12–14 medium tea buns
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Traditional Newfoundland Raisin Tea Buns

Soft, buttery buns dotted with sweet raisins—perfect for tea time or a cozy breakfast treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Servings:12 buns

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup cold butter cubed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup evaporated milk undiluted
• 1 to 1½ cups raisins light or dark

Method

 

Preheat the Oven

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cut in the Butter

1. Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Raisins

1. Stir in the raisins, distributing them evenly through the dry mixture.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Make the Dough

1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Shape the Buns

1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Lightly flour the top and fold it a couple of times to bring it together. Roll the dough to about 1 inch thick and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter or glass.

Bake

1. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and slightly puffed.

Cool and Serve

1. Let cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Serve plain or with butter.