Orange and Coriander Seed Gin Biscuit Recipe
These sophisticated biscuits bridge the gap between fine confectionery and cocktail hour, infusing a classic buttery shortbread with the bright botanical notes of a London Dry gin. The floral warmth of toasted coriander seeds perfectly balances the vibrant citrus zest for a truly unique afternoon tea experience.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Bake
- 15 min
- Serves
- 12
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 240 kcal
Method
Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then lightly crush them using a mortar and pestle to release their oils.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Stir in the fresh orange zest, crushed coriander seeds, and London Dry gin until the aromatics are well distributed throughout the creamed butter.
Sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of sea salt, then fold gently using a spatula until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier rolling.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 5mm thickness and cut into 2-inch circles using a biscuit cutter.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving an inch of space between each, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn pale golden.
Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes from the kitchen
Toasting the coriander seeds is essential as it transforms their flavor from citrusy to floral and nutty.
Use a high-quality London Dry gin for the best botanical profile; the juniper notes pair excellently with orange.
Do not overwork the dough once you add the flour, or the biscuits will lose their delicate, crumbly texture.
If the dough becomes too soft while cutting, return it to the fridge for 10 minutes to maintain clean edges.
