The Best Biscuits : Perfect for Dunking

In the UK, biscuits are more than just a sweet treat—they’re an essential part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping your morning tea or enjoying a mid-afternoon snack, a good biscuit can elevate the moment. But there’s one important question that always comes up when choosing a biscuit: Is it good for dunking? Some biscuits are simply made for it, while others might crumble in your tea or coffee. So, which biscuits are truly the best for dunking? Let’s dive into the biscuit tin and explore some of the top contenders.

1. Digestives – The Dunking Classic

No list of UK biscuits would be complete without the ever-popular Digestive. This biscuit has earned its place as a dunking legend. With its perfectly balanced sweetness and a slightly crumbly, yet firm texture, it holds up well when dunked in tea or coffee.

Why It’s Great for Dunking:

• Firm Texture: Digestives have a sturdy structure that doesn’t fall apart easily, even when submerged in hot liquid.
• Mild Flavour: Their subtly sweet, slightly oat-like taste pairs wonderfully with both tea and coffee without overwhelming the drink.

Digestives are so beloved that they’re often the first choice for those who are serious about their dunking rituals. Plus, they come in a variety of versions, such as milk chocolate-covered, which can add an extra layer of indulgence to your dunking experience.

2. Rich Tea – The Dunker’s Dream

If there’s a biscuit that is often dubbed the “ultimate dunking biscuit,” it’s the Rich Tea. This simple, light, and crisp biscuit has been a household favourite for generations. Though not as sweet as some other biscuits, its crisp texture makes it the ideal companion for a cup of tea.

Why It’s Great for Dunking:

• Quick Dunking Time: The relatively dry and light nature of Rich Tea biscuits means they absorb liquid quickly without losing their shape. The biscuit softens nicely without dissolving into mush.
• Low Sweetness: Rich Tea biscuits don’t overpower your tea, offering a balanced dunk without too much sweetness.

For many, a Rich Tea biscuit is synonymous with an afternoon tea break, and it’s perfect for a quick dunk that won’t turn into a soggy mess.

3. Hobnobs – The Oaty Champion

Hobnobs, made from rolled oats, are a fan-favourite for good reason. These biscuits are both chewy and crunchy, and they have a rich, oaty flavour that stands up well to dunking.

Why They’re Great for Dunking:

• Durability: Despite their oat-heavy texture, Hobnobs are remarkably sturdy when dunked. They have a satisfying firmness that keeps them intact, even in a hot cup of tea.
• Substantial Texture: The oats give Hobnobs a unique texture that absorbs tea or coffee just enough to become soft, but not so much that they break apart.

Hobnobs are a perfect balance of indulgence and practicality for dunking, with the added bonus of a chocolate-coated version for those who like a little extra sweetness.

4. Bourbons – A Chocolatey Dunking Delight

For those who like a bit of chocolate with their dunking, Bourbon biscuits are an excellent choice. These iconic biscuits consist of two dark, chocolate-flavoured biscuits with a creamy chocolate filling sandwiched in between.

Why They’re Great for Dunking:

• Rich Flavour: The combination of chocolate and biscuit creates a delightful flavour that intensifies when dunked in tea or coffee.
• Solid Structure: While Bourbons are delicate, their firm texture means they hold up well during dunking without disintegrating in your drink.

Dunking a Bourbon biscuit transforms it into a decadent, chocolatey treat, making it a favourite for those who want a little more luxury with their tea.

5. Jammie Dodgers – For a Fruity Twist

Jammie Dodgers are a playful, fruity biscuit option that stands out thanks to their signature raspberry jam filling. Though not traditionally thought of as a dunking biscuit, these little gems are surprisingly sturdy in hot drinks. With the right integrity of soft biscuit and jam to hold it together.

Why They’re Great for Dunking:

• Jam Centre: The fruit filling adds a burst of sweetness that complements the biscuit’s crispness, creating a fun and refreshing dunking experience.
• Mild Biscuit Base: The biscuit part of Jammie Dodgers is not overly sweet, so it balances the fruit jam nicely when dunked in tea.

If you’re in the mood for something fruity with a playful twist, Jammie Dodgers provide a unique dunking experience.

6. Custard Creams – A Biscuit and Creamy Delight

Custard Creams are another classic UK biscuit that features a smooth custard-flavoured filling between two biscuits. They might not seem like the first choice for dunking, but they’re surprisingly sturdy and delicious when dipped in a hot drink.

Why They’re Great for Dunking:

• Creamy Filling: The custard centre softens just enough to create a delightful texture when dunked but doesn’t dissolve into your drink.
• Crispy Biscuit: The biscuit part provides a nice contrast to the creamy filling and holds its own in a cup of tea or coffee.

For a twist on your usual dunk, Custard Creams offer a bit of nostalgia along with a satisfying dunking experience.

7. Chocolate Digestives – A Dunking Treat with a Sweet Twist

For those who crave a little extra indulgence, Chocolate Digestives are a fantastic choice. These biscuits combine the classic digestive biscuit base with a smooth layer of milk or dark chocolate.

Why They’re Great for Dunking:

• Chocolate Coating: The chocolate adds a rich, sweet flavour that melts slightly when dunked, enhancing the overall experience.
• Firm Base: Despite the chocolate layer, the digestive base remains firm enough to hold up well in hot liquids without losing its integrity.

Chocolate Digestives are perfect for anyone who loves the simple, comforting taste of a digestive, but with a chocolaty kick.

Final Thoughts: The Best Biscuits for Dunking

When it comes to dunking, the best biscuits are those that balance texture, sweetness, and durability. Digestives, Rich Tea, Hobnobs, Bourbons, Jammie Dodgers, Custard Creams, and Chocolate Digestives all make the cut as the top dunking biscuits in the UK.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference—whether you’re after a simple, sturdy biscuit like the Rich Tea, a decadent treat like a Bourbon, or something with a bit more crunch like a Hobnob. Whatever your favourite, one thing’s for sure: there’s no wrong way to enjoy a biscuit with a hot cup of tea or coffee. My personal favourite is to have 2 cups of tea, one for dunking and the other to drink with no bits in. What is your choice? Please comment below.