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Newfoundland Molasses Raisin Tea Buns

Newfoundland Molasses Raisin Tea Buns are soft, lightly sweetened biscuits flavored with fancy molasses and packed with plump raisins. The dough is easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, then rolled, cut, and baked until golden. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy depth, while the rich molasses gives these buns their signature flavor. Perfect with butter and a cup of tea, these classic East Coast treats are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp rounded baking powder
  • 1 tsp rounded baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon optional
  • 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg optional
Fat:
  • ¾ cup cold butter cubed
Add-Ins:
  • 1½ cups raisins sultanas, currants, or chopped dried fruit work too
Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup fancy molasses not blackstrap
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preheat & Prep:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13" baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices (if using).
Cut in Butter:
  1. Add the cubed cold butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Raisins:
  1. Stir in the raisins so they’re evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
  1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the fancy molasses, milk, and vanilla extract.
Form the Dough:
  1. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the molasses mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix.
Roll & Cut:
  1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Lightly roll out to about 1 inch thick. Use a round cutter or glass to cut into buns.
Pan the Buns:
  1. Place buns side-by-side in the prepared pan so they’re just touching. This keeps them soft as they bake.
Bake:
  1. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Serve:
  1. Let cool for a few minutes in the pan. Serve warm with butter or jam.

Notes

To Serve:
  • Best enjoyed warm with butter, molasses, or partridgeberry jam.
  • Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a classic Newfoundland treat.
To Store:
  • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze extras by wrapping tightly and storing in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in oven or microwave.