Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits are a classic bake that feels both comforting and dependable. Inspired by the timeless baking style of Mary Berry, these biscuits strike a balance between crisp edges and a gently chewy centre. The oats bring a warm, nutty flavour, while the buttery base keeps everything rich without being heavy. They suit tea breaks, lunchboxes, or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. The preparation is simple, and the baking time is short, making them an easy choice for everyday baking.

What Are Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits?

Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits are traditional British biscuits made with oats, butter, sugar, and flour. They are lightly sweet, crisp on the outside, and tender inside. Unlike overly crunchy oat biscuits, these keep a pleasant bite that softens slightly as they cool.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Oat and Raisin Cookies
• Mary Berry Spiced Orange Cake
• Mary Berry Coconut and Lime Cake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Classic flavour – Buttery with a gentle oat crunch.
• Quick bake – Ready from bowl to tray in minutes.
• Everyday ingredients – No special items needed.
• Reliable texture – Crisps up without turning hard.
• Easy to adapt – Works well with small flavour additions.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

• Porridge oats – 150 g
• Plain flour – 75 g
• Unsalted butter (softened) – 150 g
• Light brown sugar – 100 g
• Caster sugar – 50 g
• Egg – 1 large
• Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – a pinch

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl – Gives room to cream butter properly.
• Electric hand mixer or wooden spoon – Both work well.
• Baking trays – Allow biscuits to spread evenly.
• Baking parchment – Prevents sticking and burning.
• Cooling rack – Helps biscuits firm up without sweating.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

• Prepare the oven – Preheat to 180°C (160°C fan) and line baking trays with parchment.
• Cream butter and sugars – Beat until light and fluffy; this helps create a tender texture.
• Add the egg – Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
• Combine dry ingredients – Stir flour, baking powder, salt, and oats together.
• Bring the dough together – Fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture gently.
• Shape the biscuits – Roll small balls and place them spaced apart on trays.
• Bake until golden – Cook for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly coloured.
• Cool properly – Leave briefly on the tray, then transfer to a rack to cool fully.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Overbaking – Made biscuits too hard, fixed by removing earlier.
• Crowding the tray – Caused uneven spreading, solved with wider spacing.
• Warm butter – Led to excess spread, corrected by using softened, not melted butter.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

• Reduced sugar – Cut total sugar to 120 g for lighter sweetness.
• Wholegrain boost – Replace 25 g flour with wholemeal flour.
• Smaller portions – Shape smaller biscuits for controlled servings.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

• Butter alternative – Use baking margarine at 150 g.
• Sugar swap – Coconut sugar works at 150 g total.
• Oat change – Jumbo oats give a chunkier texture at the same amount.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

• Classic tea break – Black tea complements the oat flavour well.
• Coffee match – A mild latte balances the sweetness.
• Simple dessert – Serve with vanilla ice cream.
• Lunchbox treat – Pair with fresh fruit for balance.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

• Use room-temperature butter – Blends smoothly without excess spread.
• Do not overmix – Keeps the biscuits tender.
• Space generously – Allows even baking and shape.
• Watch the edges – Light colour means a soft centre.
• Cool before storing – Improves texture and crispness.
• Bake in batches – Ensures consistent results.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits

• Chocolate chips – Add 75 g dark or milk chocolate.
• Nutty crunch – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Spiced touch – A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth.
• Fruit addition – Mix in 50 g raisins or dried cranberries.

Storing Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits the Right Way

• Room temperature – Keep in an airtight tin for up to 5 days.
• Freezing option – Freeze baked biscuits for up to 1 month.
• Reviving texture – Warm briefly in a low oven if needed.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits (If Needed)

Warm in a 150°C oven for 3–4 minutes to refresh crispness without drying them out.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~22 g
• Fat: ~9 g
• Protein: ~3 g
• Sugar: ~12 g

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FAQs

Why did my oatmeal biscuits spread too much while baking?

Oatmeal biscuits spread too much if the butter is too soft or warm. Using properly softened butter and chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking helps the biscuits hold their shape.

How do I make oatmeal biscuits crisp rather than soft?

For crisper biscuits, bake them a little longer until the edges are deeper golden and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, where they firm up as they cool.

Can I use jumbo oats instead of regular oats?

Yes, jumbo oats can be used and will give a chunkier texture. Keep the same quantity, but expect a slightly more rustic bite.

How do I know when oatmeal biscuits are baked properly?

The biscuits are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the centres still feel slightly soft. They continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Oatmeal Biscuits are the kind of bake that feels familiar in the best way. They rely on simple ingredients, careful timing, and gentle handling to deliver biscuits that are crisp, comforting, and easy to enjoy. Keep a tin on hand, and they rarely last long.